Decline of Science in Islam

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Questions and Answers

What was the impact of Ibn al-Haytham's work on scientific progress?

He created the Arabic numeral system.

He pioneered the study of algebra.

He was the first to establish the concept of hospitals.

He allowed for accurate planetary laws through atmospheric refraction. (correct)

What is the connection between the Qur'an and the pursuit of knowledge in Islamic civilization?

Islamic scholarship is primarily focused on legal texts.

The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of reflection and understanding the beauty of creation. (correct)

The Qur'an discourages independent thought.

There are no references in the Qur'an regarding knowledge.

What was the main reason for the decline in Islamic science activity after the 11th century?

The rise of technological advancements in Europe.

The establishment of Western-style education systems.

A decrease in patronage for scientific research.

Increased religious conservativeness as exemplified by al-Ghazzali. (correct)

Why does the author prefer the term 'Islamic science' over 'Arabic science'?

The civilization is predominantly referred to as Islamic rather than Arabic. Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Islamic civilization reach its peak?

During the dual period of the Abbasid and Umayyad caliphates. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Al-Khwarizmi's contributions?

He is known for the inception of algebra and the term algorithm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about the historical contributions of Islamic civilization regarding Greek heritage?

Islamic civilization only preserved Greek text with little contribution. Signup and view all the answers

What was ultimately not the case about the first hospitals in relation to Islamic civilization?

They were established by an Abbasid caliph. Signup and view all the answers

Who is referred to as 'the philosopher of the Arabs' and is considered one of the greatest minds of Islamic civilization?

Al Kindi Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor contributed to the decline of Granada?

The internal strife among the Muslim kingdoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'lingua franca' in this context?

It denotes a common language used for trade and commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical significance attributed to al-Khwarizmi?

He wrote the book that named algebra. Signup and view all the answers

Which city was the capital of Andalusia before the emergence of the Taifa kingdoms?

Cordoba Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Gerard of Cremona in the context of Arabic culture?

He was a translator who made Arabic texts accessible to Europeans. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of the last Arab state in Andalusia?

The fall of Granada in 1492 Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the ulama have on the Arabic language?

They facilitated its decline by promoting vernacular languages. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor among the following was NOT considered to contribute to the decline of sciences in Islam?

The capture of Al-Hambra Signup and view all the answers

Who highlighted the significant role of the Arabs in the historical context of the West emerging from the Dark Ages?

Dante Signup and view all the answers

Which internal factor was cited as contributing to the decline of sciences in Islam?

The rise of orthodox theology after Ghazzali Signup and view all the answers

What does Nidhal Guessoum suggest as the primary reason for the decline of science in Islam?

A combination of internal and external factors Signup and view all the answers

What was the last great work composed in Arabic in Europe, according to historical records?

Al-Idrissi’s work Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the loss of Andalusia for the Arab population?

Persecution of Arabs and Muslims Signup and view all the answers

Which two caliphates were instrumental in challenging the Abbasid caliphate from the 10th century onwards?

Fatimid and Umayyad caliphates Signup and view all the answers

What significant shift occurred in power dynamics between the Christian and Islamic worlds from the 12th century onwards?

Shift in military dominance Signup and view all the answers

What event coincided with the decline of the Arab Islamic powers in Andalusia?

Pope Urban II’s attempt to capture Jerusalem in the first crusade Signup and view all the answers

Which city served as the primary center for the translation of scientific texts from Arabic to Latin?

Toledo Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's rise is believed to have resulted in the decline of sciences in the Islamic world?

Al-Ghazali Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding the educational system in medieval Islamic society?

Madrasas primarily taught Islamic religious sciences Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about scientific progress in the Arabic and Islamic world after the 13th century?

There was no scientific progress of note aside from astronomy Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Gerard of Cremona is accurate?

He was the most important translator in the 12th century Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a contributing factor to the decline of Arab scientific knowledge?

The intellectual contributions of Al-Ghazali Signup and view all the answers

What did Petrarch's final remarks in the documentary convey?

He aimed to erase all traces of Arab influence on Europe Signup and view all the answers

What significant role did the ulama play in society during their historical context?

They acted as mediators between authorities and the common people. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for creating modern algebra as per the content provided?

Abu Arrayhan al-burini Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributions is attributed to Ibn al-Nafis?

The discovery of minor blood circulation Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Madrasa created at the end of the 11th century?

To teach the Qur'an and Islamic law Signup and view all the answers

What city was known as the most civilized in Europe during the 10th century?

Cordoba Signup and view all the answers

Which famous musician from Baghdad was instrumental in establishing Europe’s first music conservatory?

Ziryab Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Azhar in the context of education?

It was both a mosque and a seminary for higher learning. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to many Arab virtues after their expulsion from Spain?

Many virtues such as religious and racial tolerance disappeared. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

External Factors that Contributed to Decline of Science in Islam

The Crusades, the Christian reconquista of Al-Andalus, and the Mongol destruction of Baghdad are considered external factors that impacted the decline of science in Islam.

Internal Factors that Contributed to Decline of Science in Islam

The rise of orthodox theology under Al-Ghazali (d. 1111).
The lack of institutionalization of scientific culture, which was at the whim of the caliphs.
The absence of genuine universities or institutions of higher education with autonomous status.

Reasons for Decline of Science in Islam

A mixture of internal and external factors likely contributed to the decline of science in Islam.

The Reconquista

The Reconquista (meaning "reconquest" in Spanish) refers to the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors (Muslim rulers).
The Reconquista was followed by the capture of Al-Hambra.
The Reconquista led to the persecution of Arabs and Muslims.

Loss of Andalusia

The loss of Andalusia to King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castille was a major turning point in the history of the Islamic world.

"From Arabic to Latin" Documentary

This documentary illustrates how the knowledge discovered by Arabs was translated into Latin and influenced the European Renaissance.
The 12th century saw a power shift between the Christian and Islamic worlds.
Kitab-al-Shifa, written by Ibn Sina, was translated into Latin for use by Europeans.
The main center of scientific translation from Arabic to Latin was Toledo.
Gerard of Cremona was a prolific translator in the 12th century.

The Arab Influence on Europe

The film "Forgetting the Arabs" highlights how Europe asserted itself by excluding Arab culture.

The Rise of Madrasas and Islamic Religious Sciences

By the end of the 11th century, madrasas were established in the Islamic world.
Madrasas primarily taught Islamic religious sciences.
Al-Ghazali graduated from and taught in the madrasas.
They were established by the Seljuk Turks.

The Importance of Knowledge and Scholarship in Islam

The Quran and Hadith emphasized the importance of knowledge and encouraged reflection on creation.
Muslims were driven to observe and seek to understand God's wisdom behind all things.

"Ulema and Philosophers" Documentary

This film highlights the conflict between the ulama (religious scholars) and philosophers in the Islamic world.
The ulama played a role as mediators between those in power and the people.
They sometimes led rebellions against those in power and sometimes sided with them.
The fight for influence between philosophers and ulama lasted from the 9th century AD to the end of the 12th century AD.

"The Density" of Major Scientists

The 10th and 11th centuries were marked by a "density" of significant scientific achievement.

Key Figures and Contributions

Ibn al-Haytham: An influential figure in optics who corrected atmospheric refraction for more accurate astronomical data.
Al-Khwarizmi: The inventor of algebra and the concept of algorithm. He introduced zero to the West.
Ibn Sina: Author of "The Canon of Medicine," a medical encyclopedia.
Al-Zahrawi: A prominent surgeon from Muslim Spain.
Al-Razi: Considered the greatest medical authority in the Islamic civilization.
Ibn al-Nafis: Discovered the minor blood circulation.
Al-Kindi: Known as "the philosopher of the Arabs," widely recognized as one of the greatest Islamic minds.

Andalusia

Andalusia, a Muslim-controlled region in Spain, was a hub of scientific advancements and artistic creativity, especially during the Umayyad dynasty.
Cordoba, the capital of Andalusia, was also the most civilized city in Europe by the 10th century.
Madinat al-Zahra, a palace-city built by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III near Cordoba, was a testament to their cultural and architectural prowess.
Granada was the last Arab kingdom in Andalusia, falling to the Christians in 1492.

Bayt al-Hikma

Bayt al-Hikma, established in Baghdad by the Abbasid Caliphs, was a renowned center of translation and learning that played a crucial role in preserving ancient Greek texts.
It was not established by the Fatimids in North Africa.

The Legacy of Islamic Civilization: Impact on Europe

The "translation movement" started during the Umayyad caliphate and expanded rapidly during the Abbassid period.
The medieval Islamic educational system, relying mainly on madrasas, was not as influential on the development of science as some believe.
Europeans learned paper-making from Muslims.

Key Takeaways

The decline of scientific output in the Islamic world was a complex event with both internal and external contributing factors.
The Islamic world was a major contributor to the development of knowledge and provided the foundation for many modern scientific discoveries.
The legacy of Islamic civilization continues to influence our world.

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Description

This quiz explores the external and internal factors that led to the decline of science in the Islamic world. It examines significant events such as the Crusades and the Reconquista, as well as the rise of orthodox theology and the lack of institutions supporting scientific inquiry. Test your knowledge on these historical influences and their impact on Muslim science.