Written by: Engr. Nazir Malik, Former Operations Engineer, KANUP, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Once the Torchbearers of Knowledge and Wisdom
There was a time when this Ummah was the standard-bearer of knowledge and wisdom. Its rulers were the embodiment of justice and character, and its scientists were representatives of both intellect and faith.
When the lights of Cordoba, Baghdad, and Bukhara were lit, the whole world basked in their radiance.
Yet today, this same Ummah roams in search of its own lost light.
A Painful Question
Why did the past produce such exceptional scientists and righteous rulers among Muslims — but now, such unparalleled personalities are no longer emerging?
Why? Just why?
This question has tormented my heart for years.
I researched, reflected, and sifted through the pages of history. I discovered that the roots of decline are deep and grounded — some stem from our collective weaknesses, others from misaligned priorities.
So I thought, why not present this truth to my nation?
Perhaps a spark of knowledge and action may reignite in someone’s heart…
And that lost legacy — the one that once illuminated the world — may live again.
Glorious Lamps of the Past
Turn the pages of history and you’ll find the luminous contributions of Muslims in science and knowledge:
◈ Imam al-Biruni laid the foundations of astronomy and chemistry, upon which modern knowledge now stands.
◈ Ibn al-Haytham conducted experiments in optics that are the very basis of what we now call modern optics.
◈ Al-Khwarizmi invented algebra, and
◈ Ibn Sina achieved greatness in medicine and philosophy — his works remained in European curricula for centuries.
◈ Jabir ibn Hayyan transformed chemistry into an experimental science.
◈ In the modern era, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan revived the scientific pride of the Ummah by making it a nuclear power.
These were the personalities who gave practical form to the Qur’an’s invitation to knowledge, and proved that Islam is a religion of both faith and intellect.
Root Causes of Decline
But the question remains:
When we were leaders of knowledge and thought, why are we now slaves to blind imitation?
The answers may be bitter — but they are no less true.
➊ Loss of Reverence for Knowledge
In the past, knowledge was considered worship. Today, it has become a means of livelihood.
When intentions changed, blessings departed.
The soul of knowledge vanished; only degrees remained.
➋ Imitation Over Inquiry
When we stopped asking questions and began repeating others' ideas, the brilliance of knowledge dimmed.
The first lesson of Islam is “Reflect, Contemplate.”
But we began to consider questioning as disrespect.
➌ Division Between Religious and Scientific Education
In the past, the mosque was the university — the Qur’an and astronomy were taught side by side.
Today, we've separated faith and science,
thereby breaking the unity of faith and reason.
➍ Political and Intellectual Slavery
Colonial powers reshaped our education system and thinking.
We no longer set our own priorities; we began thinking in the molds of the West.
➎ Lack of Research Infrastructure
Even today, Muslim countries spend a negligible amount on research.
There is no honor or facility for scientists,
no libraries, no laboratories.
Where books are not honored, minds die.
The Qur’anic View of Knowledge
Islam never separated knowledge from religion.
The very first revelation of the Qur’an begins with:
اقْرَأْ
“Read”
(Surah Al-‘Alaq: 1)
It was a declaration that Islam is the religion of knowledge, reading, and research.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم ومسلمة"
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman."
This means that knowledge is not merely for worldly gain —
but for the completion of faith.
As long as we considered knowledge an act of worship, we prevailed.
The day we treated it as a worldly affair, we were defeated.
The Path to Salvation
There is still time — all is not lost.
We must re-establish the balance between knowledge, research, and character.
We need educational environments where both Qur’anic spirit and scientific research are nurtured.
Where youth are not afraid to ask questions — rather, they are encouraged to think.
Where knowledge is seen as a part of faith, not apart from it.
Let us be proud of our past,
but not sleep in its glory.
We must illuminate our present with that very light.
Concluding Words
The downfall of the Muslims is temporary.
If intention and direction are corrected,
then the same Ummah that once rose through “Iqra”,
can once again lead the world.
"يَرْفَعِ اللّٰهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ"
(Surah Al-Mujādilah: 11)
"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees."
When faith and knowledge are united once more,
then perhaps another Biruni, Ibn al-Haytham, and Abdul Qadeer Khan will be born again from this very Ummah —
who will understand the unity of Qur’an and science,
and once again bring light to the world.
Du‘ā (Supplication)
O Allah, we are sinful servants of Yours. Forgive our transgressions. Return to us our lost honor. Grant us success in this world so we may once again raise Your word of truth high in Your universe.
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ
Āmīn, Yā Rabb al-‘Ālamīn.
