Muslims Contributions in Transferring Europe to Imperial - Coursework Example

The Muslims Contributions to Europe

Mohamed Faragalla

American University of Sharjah

Introduction

By the mid-8th century, conquests by Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula had resulted in formation of a vast Muslim empire encompassing North Africa, Spain, and a significant part of western as well as central Asia. The conquests’ led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, came at a time when the Europeans were under immense pressure to have maintain affiliation to Christianity, hence lack of religious and governance freedom. In the subsequent 500 years, this civilization thrived, creating what is referred to as the “Golden Age of Islam”. Even though the Islamic civilization did not last from a political front, it aided in creation of an environment that fostered scholastic thought and innovations in numerous fields. During this enlightenment age, Muslims acquired knowledge from various cultures and disseminated it to others, hence promoting cultural diffusion. The Islam lands were strategically positioned for this diffusion, since they occupied several significant trade routes that connected Europe, Asia, and Africa. Owing to the travel and trade taking place, interaction took place, facilitating exchange of information in addition to goods, thus spreading learning in the interconnected regions. For instance, Muslims acquired knowledge on making paper and gunpowder from the Chinese, passing it along to Europeans. Muslims also developed new philosophical, scientific, and medical concepts based on scholarly examination of prior civilizations, particularly Greek. These works were translated to Latin around the 12th century, thus becoming available for use to Western Europe. Therefore, the era of Islam Civilization in Europe was characterized by immense emphasis on scholarship and advancement of knowledge. Notable Muslim scholars of this period include Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and Al-Khwarizmi, who excelled not just in advancement of religious works, but also in developing the fields of medicine, astronomy, physics, geography, chemistry, and mathematics. This implies that Islam sought to advance both religious beliefs and all-encompassing human ideals. While advancement of scientific scholarship flagged in Europe in the Dark Ages, it thrived in Islam’s Golden Age, as explored in this paper in terms of Islam contributions to different disciplines. Arguably, the renaissance and later aspirations for greater governance roles in form of imperialism, which occurred in Europe thereafter, would not have been possible without the contribution of Islam in the earlier era.

Islam Contributions

As noted by Elbendary, the purpose of Muslim invasion is Spain targeted more than the social and economic reasons. Instead, it spans to include political and religious factors. In light of these factors, the discussion will look at the economic advantages that Europeans acquired from the Muslims, for instance the introduction of gunpowder that triggered the Europeans into colonial warfare. The Chinese in these years were revered owing to their technological expertise, but upon the acquisition of gunpowder from the Chinese, the Muslims guaranteed the Europeans the ability to participate in colonization The expedition of the new world would have been delayed without the Muslims’ promotion of freedom of thought, scholarship, and other independence fostering advances.

Mathematics

Muslims played a significant role in advancing comprehension of mathematics and constituent concepts. Drawing their understanding from critical examination of Greek, Babylonian, and Indian works, they managed to adopt mathematics in various aspects of life, while making considerable additions. One of the most prominent Muslim mathematicians cum astronomers of this period was Al-Khwarizmi. This scholar is considered the founder of algebra; a mathematical concept that draws its name from a title of one of Al-Khwarizmi’s books and originates from a phrase in Arabic which means “reunion of split parts”. This crucial concept is utilized in solving problems that involve unidentified numbers. The mathematician’s algebra book was interpreted in the Latin language in the 12th century, becoming the most important textbook on the subject used widely in European universities.

Interpretation of another book by Al-Khwarizmi popularized Arabic numerals throughout Europe. The Arabic numeral system, including its mechanisms of deciphering decimals and factions, derived from the Indian scholarly works, contributed immensely to business and trading at that time. The system, unlike prior systems like the Roman numbering system, was easier to comprehend and apply when calculating. The significance of this contribution is evident in the modern setting, since people predominantly use Arabic numerals to date.

Medicine

There are numerous innovations in the field of medicine that can be traced to the Islam reign in Europe. Improving on lessons drawn from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, Muslims managed to attain major milestones in this realm. Renowned practitioners in the field include Ibn Sina, a Persian doctor and philosopher and Al-Razi, also a Persian doctor. Ibn Sina is credited with a well-known medical book “The Canon of Medicine”, which examined disease treatment in detail. On the other hand, Al-Razi discovered that microorganisms (bacteria) caused infections, thus paving way for prevention. Al-Razi also studied diseases like measles and smallpox extensively, thus helping other doctors in diagnostics and treatment. Using knowledge acquired from research and practice, Muslim doctors formulated treatment regimens involving use of diet, exercise, and even drugs. The latter were derived from herbs, minerals, and animals. Further, owing to knowledge of infectious diseases, Muslim medical practitioners built numerous hospitals where the people with transmittable ailments could be isolated from the rest. They also developed antiseptics and ointments to clean and heal wounds, respectively, while performing minor surgeries.

Geography and Navigation

Muslims made notable advances in geographical and navigation studies. For example, in addition to studying animals and plants in various areas, they recognized the disparity in global climate, thus dividing the world in terms of climatic zones. Perhaps the most significant contribution in this field by Muslims was the adaptation and perfection of the astrolabe and compass, both crucial navigation instruments. Used to ease travel, the compass allowed people to determine the course of direction, while the astrolabe was used in computation of time and other astronomical measurements based on altitudes of celestial bodies like stars and the sun, thus aiding in determination of exact time.

Science and Technology

Just like in the preceding areas of scholarship, Muslims in Medieval Europe developed certain scientific and technological developments. For example, regarding astronomy, the previously mentioned navigational devices, the astrolabe and compass helped understand the workings of celestial bodies and their influence on Earth. These also helped determine the direction of Mecca, and exact times significant to Islam. Muslim astronomers also refuted the notion that the Earth formed the Universe’s center; an aspect proved later on. Other advances were in zoology, where scholars scientifically studied animals, with notable ones like Al-Jahiz developed theories on animal evolution. Muslims during this period also created zoological parks, similar to modern day zoos, where people can view animals and study them. From a technological outlook, Muslims devised dams and used complex waterwheels that could draw water from reservoirs and canals, channeling it to aqueducts that could, in turn, service farms and homes. These undertakings, coupled with refurbishment of underground wells and irrigation systems enabled the Islam lands to counter water scarcity and sustain productivity.

Architecture, Art and Music

Muslims in the medieval era are credited with a broad range of architectural forms, arts, as well as, music. In terms of architecture and art, Islam works are characterised by shapes and pattern-based aesthetics. Most of these decorations and designs are inspired by nature and geometrics, and these influences are still identifiable in contemporary Europe and around the world. The floral and geometric designs characteristic of Islam architecture and art was not only religious, but was also applied to conventional items like glassware, clothing, walls, carpets, floor tiles and crockery, among others. The nature-inspired form of art also referred to as arabesque, involved creation of intricate patterns of leaves, tendrils, stems, and flowers, among other delicate plant parts and repeating them continuously to form elegant designs. Muslims applied a similar approach when creating geometric shapes-based designs, whether in painting, sculpting, or construction.

The other significant contribution by Muslims in medieval period to art was calligraphy. Esteemed as one of the highest forms of decorative art, this use of beautiful handwriting was conceived by Muslims as they began creating copies of the Quran. Calligraphers during this era used sharpened bamboo or reeds dipped into ink to write on paper and parchment. Calligraphy forms varied, with some using angles letters and others flowing script with interconnection of letters within a word. The latter was the most common, and other than in copying the Quran, calligraphers used this form of writing to script poems, decorate items like coins, swords, and tiles. Calligraphy was also used to write letters; an art that later evolved to form a crucial part of legal documentation and communication. This art of composing letters was initially known as ilm ash-shurut wa l-sijillat or the “science of composing legal instruments and keeping official registers”. This developed a link to the law relatively early in the history of Islamic, and later European jurisprudence.

Muslims in medieval Europe also played a significant role in advancing artistry in the manufacture of textiles. Fabrics were not only an important trade item for the Arab people at them time, but also created an opportunity for them to promote artistic exploits. For example, weavers could make silk, woolen, cotton and line cloth and dye it with vibrant colors. These items could also be embroidered using golden threads or inscribed with designs or words symbolizing significant events. The practice of using clothes to denote certain differences is still evident today throughout the world and people still appreciate distinctive designs or textile materials.

Regarding music, the Islam world had several music centers. Persian-oriented musical styles were predominant particularly in cities east of the Muslim empire. However, in places such as Cordoba in Spain, a distinctive musical style emerged that combined Spanish culture and Arabic elements. A notable figure of this Persian-Spanish blended music was Ziryab. This talented musician established the first music school or conservatory in Europe; attracting aspiring musicians and music learners from Africa and Asia. Singing was an integral part of the musical culture in Muslim Spain, and poets and musicians worked in unison to compose songs in praise of nature and the Muslim empire. Music during this era was accompanied by instruments like flutes and drums, possible influencing subsequent musical forms. These cultural elements unified people thus creating identity that usually denotes independent conceptualization of issues.

Overall Scholarship

Learning was irrefutably highly revered in Islamic culture. This is evident from the various advances mentioned in the preceding sections. In addition, the Islam lands accepted Arabic language, thus aiding in promotion of learning due to the shared language. In addition, scholars were unified by the pursuit of knowledge, making it easy to share and exchange ideas on science and philosophy. Muslim leaders in medieval Europe built learning institutions including schools, colleges, and even libraries. Baghdad, being one of the most prominent cities during this era grew into a major learning center, with scholars travelling from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East converging to study and interpret texts from China, India, Persia, and Greece, including works of famous philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. The scholarship oriented nature of Islam in medieval Europe is also evident from the fact that one of the oldest universities that granted degrees after meeting learning standards, was established during this period (in 859AD). This institution of higher learning, known as the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in present day Morocco, stands as an epitome of Islam contribution to formalized learning systems.

Conclusion

Prior to the fall of Muslim Spain, which was signified by the loss of Granada, the last Muslim city, Islam had evidently made significant contributions to medieval Europe. Without these contributions to the continent, the ensuing renaissance and inclusive governance would not have been possible. For example, without the cultural diffusion that Islam had encouraged through embracing knowledge from other cultures and exchanging the same, advancement of unifying human ideals would not have taken place. Therefore, the flourishing of Islam civilization allowed flow of ideas and interconnected varying cultures. Muslims also made inescapable advances in mathematics, medicine, navigation and geography through examining past theoretical concepts and advancing them to practicable levels. Majority of these contributions influenced Europe considerably and some are still in use in the modern world. The same applies to contributions in science and technology and general scholarship. Overall, the Islamic civilization generated noteworthy achievements and a religious faith that fostered an intellectual culture, while transforming the trajectory of global advancement. Traversing a geographical area greater than any covered by prior empires, by covering Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and extending all the way to Spain, this civilization facilitated the transition of Europe from the Classical era featuring suppression of scientific growth to the Renaissance period. This also reinforces the notion that the Muslims entered Europe not just to gain dominance through aggression or suppression, but with the purpose of liberating the Europeans who were denied governance capability due to religious restriction.