Scientific Advancement Rooted in the Revolution of Islam
Pre-Islamic World: Dominated by Polytheism and Superstition
In ancient human history, polytheism (shirk) and superstition were the dominant worldviews. These two elements were the greatest barriers to intellectual and scientific development. The revolution brought by Islam eradicated these obstacles through Tawheed (monotheism), which opened the doors to rational inquiry and scientific progress for the first time in history. This article reviews the role of Islamic revolution, the hindrances posed by ancient civilizations, and the factors contributing to scientific advancement.
Polytheism and Superstition: Obstacles to Progress
✔ Root of Polytheism:
- Innate sanctity instinct: The human inclination to revere the sacred is natural. However, when anything other than Allah is considered sacred, this instinct becomes misdirected.
✔ Declaring the Non-Divine as Sacred:
- Sanctifying Nature: Ancient civilizations regarded natural phenomena as sacred, which prevented scientific inquiry into their workings.
- Deifying Humans: In many ancient societies, humans were worshiped or considered divine, which restricted free thought and intellectual exploration.
✔ Impact on Ancient Science:
- Ancient nations were engaged in worshipping nature rather than attempting to understand or master it.
- For example, Aristarchus proposed a heliocentric theory around 270 BCE, but it was rejected.
- Conversely, Ptolemy’s geocentric model was accepted as it aligned with Christian theological views.
- After Islam, Muslim scientists adopted and advanced the heliocentric model.
Barriers Within Ancient Civilizations
◈ Greek Civilization:
- While the Greeks had brilliant minds such as Archimedes, their contributions in mathematics and mechanics remained short-lived sparks.
- Mythological narratives severely hampered scientific development.
- There was no intellectual freedom necessary for sustained inquiry.
◈ Roman Civilization:
- The Roman Empire excelled in warfare but failed to advance in science due to polytheism and superstition.
- Their idolatrous and magic-based societal structures suppressed scientific curiosity.
◈ Christian Era:
- Science was seen as opposed to religion.
- Scholars like Galileo were persecuted, and their discoveries were labeled as heretical or "works of the devil".
- Scientific research was derided as black magic.
Islam: The Foundation of Scientific Advancement
✔ The Qur’an’s Call to Reflection:
- The Qur’an invites reflection upon the universe, encouraging a rational and observational mindset.
- The belief in Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) shifted the understanding of nature from being sacred to being subjugatable and investigable.
✔ The Role of Muslim Scholars:
- Muslim scientists adopted Greek knowledge, refined it, and advanced it further.
- Islamic civilization played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the European Renaissance.
✔ Transformation of the Intellectual Environment:
- Islam eliminated ancient idolatrous thinking, creating a favorable environment for free investigation.
- The journey of scientific progress began in Makkah, reached Baghdad and Andalusia, and ultimately spread across Europe.
Conclusion
The Islamic revolution liberated humanity from the chains of superstition and polytheism, fostering an atmosphere where intellectual and scientific inquiry became possible. Guided by the Qur’an, Muslim scholars made remarkable contributions in the fields of science, philosophy, and rational thought—leaving an indelible impact not only on the Muslim world but on Europe and the world at large.
