Education and Scientific Learning
The great Muslim scientists
and scholars mentioned earlier did not study at University of Paris Oxford USA Cairo Baghdad
Segregation of Theological & Scientific Studies:
The
great tragedy of Islamic Civilization happened from within, when the Islamic
Madaris and Darul-Alooms shifted the priority by concentrating on the study of
theological and religious sciences for gaining spiritual heights, discarding
the scientific knowledge considering it to be source of evil. Consequently
these Muslim institutions of learning are no more producing great scholars and
scientists as they had done in the past; rather they are now being blamed as a
source of extremism.
Stages of Decline
of Scientific Scholarship:
The
decline of Muslim scholarship traditions did not occur overnight, it occurred
due to the devastation suffered by Muslims in political and military field in
there stages spread over about five centuries.
The First
Stage (1085-1099 C.E):
The
first stage of devastation of Muslim resources, lives, properties,
institutions, and infrastructure took place over a period of over one hundred
years (1085-1099 C.E). It started with the fall of Muslim Toledo (1085 C.E), Corsica and Malta Provence France Rhone ) (1050 C.E), Sicily Jerusalem
Second
Stage (1217-1329 C.E):
Second
stage of devastation lasted for over hundred years, in the form of Crusader invasions
(1217-1291 C.E) and Mongol invasions (1219-1329 C.E). Crusaders were active
throughout the Mediterranean from Jerusalem Valencia Seville Baghdad
The Third
Stage (1492 onwards)
The
third stage of devastation of Muslims occurred due to the end of Muslim rule in
Spain square
of Vivarrambla Granada Africa , Asia , and the Americas
Ottomans
and Mughal Oversight:
Although
the Ottomans and Mughal empires were very powerful but they ignored to
concentrate on acquisition of scientific knowledge. They even did not take
advantage of scientific development taking place in the West. Invention of Printing
Press is a case in point. The Jews expelled from Spain
Harmony between
Qur’an and Science:
Islam
is a faith based on the Reality and rational thought not on unscientific myths
like many other religions. Allah says;
“Soon shall We show them Our signs in the universe and in their own selves,
until it becomes clear to them that this Qur'an is indeed the truth. Is it not
enough that your Lord is a witness over everything?” (Qur’an;41:53). The
learning of religious sciences go along with learning of other branches of
knowledge which include social and physical sciences. Islam encourages
reasoning, discussions and dialogue. Allah says: “Invite (all) to the way of
thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that
are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His
Path and who receive guidance.”(Qur’an;16:125). The Qur’an contains more than
6000 ayaats (‘signs’) out of which more than thousand refer to various subjects
of science, such as Astronomy, Physics, Geography, Geology, Oceanology,
Biology, Botany, Zoology, Medicine, Physiology, Embryology as well as General
Science, mostly un known to humanity at the time. It is found that the Qur'anic
information on science does not conflict with any of the established scientific
fact. It may go against certain scientific hypothesis or theories, which are
not grounded in facts as many a times, the science retract its position. The
Qur’an speaks about hundreds of things that were not known fourteen hundred
year ago once Qur’an was revealed; but they have been proved recently, the details are
available in the book ‘Qur’an and Science’ by Dr.Zakir Naik & "The
Bible, The Qur'an and Science" by Dr. Maurice Bucaille, some of them are
referred here:
Astronomy:
The creation of the universe by ‘The Big
Bang’: “Do not the Unbelievers see that
the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation),
before We clove them asunder?” (Qur’an;21:30 ).
Initially there was gaseous mass before creation of galaxies: “Moreover, He
Comprehended in His design the sky, and
it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together
willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together) in
willing obedience.”(Qur’an;41:11). The shape of earth; “And the earth,
moreover, hath He made egg shaped.” (Qur’an;79:30). Moon has reflected light
and sun has its own light; "And (who) made the moon a light (nur,
reflected light) in their midst and made the sun as a (Glorious)Lamp(siraja-own
light). (Qur’an;71:16).
Alberuni’s Solar
System
The Sun
Rotates:” It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon:
All (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.” (Qur’an;21:33 ). “It is not permitted to the
sun to catch up the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: Each (just) swims
along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).” (Qur’an;36:40). The other
examples are: The sun will extinguish;(Qur’an;36:38,13:2). The expanding nature
of universe; (Qur’an;51:47).
Nuclear
Science:
Atoms
can be divided;(Qur’an;10:61).
Geology:
Mountains
are like tent pegs firmly fixed providing stability; (Qur’an;78:6-7,21:31 ,79:32).
Oceanology:
Darkness
in depths of ocean; (Qur’an;24:40).
General
Science:
The
water cycle;(Qur’an;39:21, 30:24,23:18 ).
Botany:
Plants
& Fruits have male and female; (Qur’an;20:53 , 13:3).
Zoology:
The bee
and its skills; (Qur’an;16:68-69). Lifestyle and communication of ants;
(Qur’an;27:17-18). Honey has healing for humankind; (Qur’an;16:69).
Biology:
Creation
of man from water;(Qur’an;25:54). Creation of living being;“ We made from water
every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Qur’an;21:30 ). Importance of fingerprints:
(Qur’an;75:3-4) and the existence of pain receptors in the skin: (Qur’an;4:56 ).
Embryology:
Embryological
stages; (Qur’an;23:12 -14,
75:37-39,82:7-8). Embryo partly formed and partly unformed; (Qur’an;22:5).
First sense of hearing developed then sense of sight; (Qur’an;32:9,23:78). Sex
determination factor for child; (Qur’an;53:45-46,75:37-39).
Redressing The
Great Tragedy:
The
great tragedy of Muslim history occurred over five centuries ago, when the
study of Islamic sciences was separated from the other branches of knowledge
(logic, Mathematics, Sciences (Physical, Behavioral, Social Earth, Biological,
Medicine, Social and Technological Sciences), Humanities and Philosophy) in the
Islamic learning institutions, considering it be evil and against the spirit of
Islam. Althugh Qur’an referes to this knowledge as mentioned above. Gradually
the Islamic institutions of learning (Madrasahs, Maktab, Halqa &
Dar-ul-Aloom) started teaching the religious sciences only, resultantly now it
is found that they are totally cut off from the other branches of knowledge.
This is one of the major causes of decline of Islamic Civilization which needs
to be redressed. Qur’an frequently refers to ‘signs’ of Allah which can be well
understood through scientific knowledge, which besides strengthening the faith
of believers will attract the non believers towards Islam.
Balance
Between Knowledge of Spiritual and Physical Worlds:
Islam
advocates to maintain balance between the life of this world and struggle for
the reward in hereafter, thus asceticism and monasticism is not part of Islam.
Allah says in Qur’an:“…But the monasticism which they invented for themselves
We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good
pleasure of Allah;…(Qur’an;57:27); “Say: Who hath forbidden the (zenah) adornment of God which He has brought forth
for His devotees, and the good things of His providing? Say: "All these
things are for the enjoyment of the believers in the life of this world though
shared by others; but these shall be exclusively theirs on the Day of
Resurrection. Thus do We make Our revelations clear for those who understand.
Say: The things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds whether
open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of
partners to God for which he hath given no authority; and saying things about
God of which you have no knowledge.”(Qur’an;7:32-33). “We have made you
(Muslims) a moderate nation so that you may testify against mankind and that
your own Messenger may testify against you.”(Qur’an;2:143). “..Our Lord! Give
us the good life, both in this world and in the Hereafter..”(Qur’an;2:201).
God has
made all that is in the heaven and earth subservient to human for their
benefit, Allah says in Qur’an: “It is He Who has made the earth subservient to
you, to walk through its tracts and eat of His provided sustenance. To Him is
the return at resurrection.”(Qur’an;67:15); “Do you not see that Allah has made
subservient to your all that is in the heavens and in the earth, and has
lavished on you His evident and hidden favors? Yet there are some people who
still argue about Allah without knowledge, without guidance or an enlightening
Book.” (Qur’an;31:20).
To
harness the creations of Allah, He has blessed the man with intellect and
ability to acquire knowledge, not only of religious sciences but also about all
other sciences for their benefit. This will enable him to be a good believer
and to exploit the blessings of nature which Allah has left to be harnessed by
man. The simple example of using sun light and wind to generate electric power,
use of satellites for navigation (Global Positioning System) or for
communication, is making good use of blessings of Allah (Qur’an;31:20), made
possible through the knowledge of physical sciences and other branches. “He is
the One Who has set up the stars for you, so that you might find your way
thereby in the darkness whether you are on the land or the sea. We have spelled
out Our revelations very clearly for people who have knowledge.”(Qur’an;6:97).
Here the ‘knowledge’ obviously refers to the knowledge of astronomy (The
science of celestial objects, including the earth in relation to them, space,
and of the universe as a whole.) Some of the long range intercontinental
missiles and spacecraft use ‘Celestial Guidance System’, (immune to jamming or
other counter measures) to reach the general are of the target or destination,
thereafter the terminal guidance systems takes on. The harsh fact is that the nations
which excelled in all types of knowledge are leading the world.
Eradication
of Socioeconomic Deprivation & Extremism through Education:
The
Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the second source of guidance
after Qur’an, he was not only a Messenger who preached the true faith, but was
also a military and political leader. His source of knowledge had the Divine
origin, the Muslims have to follow the means of knowledge made available by
God, through the system of this world. “…Allah never changes the condition of a
people until they intend to change it themselves…” (Qur’an;13:11 ). “That is because Allah has never
changed the blessings which He has bestowed on a people until they themselves
changed the condition of their souls; verily Allah hears all and knows
all.”(Qur’an;8:53 ).
Muslim
societies are still among the most illiterate societies in the world which is
the major cause of their socioeconomic deprivation, extremism and sectarianism.
In order to change their conditions, they need to make efforts to get mastery
over knowledge of science & technology, social sciences as well as the knowledge of Islamic sciences, as preached
and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Exhibit
Islam as Practical & Comprehensive Way of Life:
Islam
is a complete way of life, it does not separate the religion form the state and
other aspect of life, be it social or political. Hence there is a need to
revive the original Islamic institutions of learning (Madrasahs, Maktab, Halqa
& Dar-ul-Aloom) according to needs of present age to impart comprehensive
knowledge to its students at various levels. This will not only enable them to
help earn their livelihood but would also enable them to understand the
complexities of political and social sciences to live in the world which is now
a global village due to modern modes of communications. The communication gap
between the ‘preacher’ and the ‘preached’ will reduce, which will result in
batter understanding of the message of Islam by the Muslims and non Muslims
alike. The knowledge of the religious and other branches are complimentary to
each other, the balance should be maintained. With a common base of religious
and other sciences, the advance knowledge for specialization in various
disciplines will produce experts to achieve new heights in all fields.
Blending
the Knowledge of Theology and Sciences:
The
blending of religious and other knowledge at lower and middle levels prior to
separation at higher lever for specialization in a particular discipline, would
broaden the vision and provide adequate depth to the students of religious and
other sciences. They will be able to comprehend the signs of Allah; “He also
made subservient to you whatever is between the heavens and the earth; all from
Himself. Surely there are signs in this for those who think.”(Qur’an;45:13). It
will also help in harnessing the nature and discover new mysteries by pondering
the Qur’an as per divine commandment: “This Book (Al-Qur'an) which We have sent
down to you (O Muhammad) is highly blessed, so that they may ponder upon its
verses and the men of understanding may learn a lesson from it.”(Qur’an;38:29).
It will not be appropriate to conclude that the knowledge of religious and
other branches be abruptly mixed up at the institutions of religious as well as
social and physical sciences. In order to avoid total confusion and collapse,
this infusion has to be through a well orchestrated gradual process. The
advanced level of specialization in respective fields of knowledge has to be maintained
to achieve excellence.
Muslims
should Revive Traditon of Contributions for Development of Humanity:
The
ever increasing number of inventions has made the humanity to enjoy the fruits
of scientific developments. It is high time that Muslims get out of nostalgia
and join the mainstream developed world to contribute in the scientific
development and social sciences. With very strong heritage and tradition of
learning it is not difficult to catch up, if a good start is made now, the
Islamic civilization will again be able to produce great scholars like
al-Biruni, Fakhr ad-Din ar-Razi, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), at-Tabari, Avempace (Ibn
Bajjah), Averroës (Ibn Rushd) and
many more, who should contribute towards
their own as well as development of humanity as whole. This will also attract
the non believers to the faith of Islam as a practical and dynamic source of
guidance for the good life here and hereafter according to the guidance
provided by Allah though His last Messenger to the mankind. The Qur’anic prayer:
“O’ Lord! Increase my knowledge”(Qur’an;20:114), is to be supported with the
practical efforts by the Muslims.
INDEX:
EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC LEARNING & ISLAM
INDEX:
EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC LEARNING & ISLAM
