The Islamic Golden Age – Concluding the Journey 

Finally, we approach the end of our brief exploration of this particular time in history. As promised, this article will further discuss the discoveries made and the foundations laid by our brothers and sisters specifically in the field of science. Some of the pioneers of the field of medicine, which we will be discussing about, include researchers like Ibn Sina, Ibn al-Nafis, Ibn al-Haytham, Al-Zahrawi among many others. 

Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, is often described as the “Father of early medicine”. He proposed the theory that diseases spread through particles invisible to the naked eye, a concept that was proven centuries later with the invention of the microscope. Ibn Sina introduced the concept of “al-arba’iniya”, meaning 40 days, as a method of isolating disease, which is why he is credited with inventing quarantine. His most famous works, The Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine became standard texts in many medieval universities, cementing his legacy and influencing medical education for centuries

Ibn al-Nafis, a renowned Damascus-born scholar, is considered ‘the father of circulatory physiology’ for his groundbreaking discoveries in medicine. He was the first to accurately describe the pulmonary circulation of blood, a discovery that revolutionized our understanding of the human body. He also provided early insights into coronary and capillary circulations, further advancing the field of physiology. His scope of study extended beyond medicine; he also made significant contributions to jurisprudence, literature, and theology.

Ibn al-Haytham or Alhazen, known as the “father of optics”,  made groundbreaking contributions to optics and visual perception. He was the first to prove that vision occurs when light reflects off an object and enters the eye. He also formulated the principle of least time for refraction, which later became Fermat’s principle. His work laid the foundation for modern optics, leading to the development of cameras, spectacles, microscopes, and telescopes. As an early advocate of the scientific method, he insisted that hypotheses must be supported by experiments and mathematical reasoning. Due to these pioneering contributions, Ibn al-Haytham is often regarded as the world’s first true scientist.

Al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis), a surgeon from Al-Andalus, is often regarded as the “father of modern surgery.” He designed and illustrated more than 200 surgical tools, including scalpels, forceps, and surgical needles, many of which are still in use today. His pioneering work, Kitab al-Tasrif, remained the standard medical textbook in Europe for over 500 years, yet the full extent of his contributions to surgery is often underappreciated. Al-Zahrawi’s influence shaped surgical practices in the Middle Ages and continues to be relevant in modern medicine.

Further, one of the fields that flourished during this time was alchemy. Although regarded as a pseudoscience now, alchemy was considered quite prestigious back then. Scientists were trying to discover a way to change ordinary metals into gold. While they didn’t quite succeed in that endeavor, their efforts ended up laying the groundwork for modern chemistry. Jabir ibn Hayyan, known as Geber in the West, was an 8th-century Muslim polymath considered the “father of chemistry.” He pioneered numerous chemical processes still used today, including crystallization, distillation, and evaporation. Jabir discovered key substances like hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and aqua regia. His emphasis on systematic experimentation laid groundwork for the scientific method. Jabir introduced the concept of alkali and made crucial observations about metallic properties. His works, translated into Latin, greatly influenced medieval European alchemists and chemists. Beyond chemistry, Jabir contributed significantly to medicine, pharmacy, and metallurgy. His diverse achievements helped shape the foundations of modern science and scientific methodology.

These inventions, originating in the Islamic Golden Age, had far-reaching effects on the world, influencing many aspects of science, medicine, and daily life. Despite their significance, the origins of these innovations are often not widely recognized or credited to the Muslim world today. 

In a very neutral process of Latinisation of names, discoveries, and books, much is lost, discredited, and whitewashed. When we choose to stay unaware and not appreciate these contributions, when we choose not to spread awareness about them, we lose touch with our roots and, in the process, develop a sense of insecurity. We are a people with a rich history, heritage, and identity, yet we have lost much of it in our attempt to conform to the modern world. We are asked by the Qura’an to make use of our aql (intellect) and to acquire knowledge, an endeavor exemplified by these great minds. It is important to note that all the mentioned figures—and even those who are not—were people of knowledge, not only of this world but also of the deen (religion). They pursued worldly knowledge without compromising on their deen. They were well-versed in science, medicine, engineering, astrology, literature, history, geography, and also in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), sharia (Islamic law), tafsir (detailed commentary of the Qura’an), hadith, and hifdh (memorization of the Qura’an).

Why have we come to associate acquiring religious knowledge with backwardness and a side quest, when it should be of the utmost priority? These scholars are an example for us all, showing that we can hold on to our deen while excelling in various fields of study. Muslims are meant to be the torchbearers and examples for the rest of humanity, but unfortunately, we have plunged back into the dark days. Yet, we have the potential to reclaim our rich heritage and lead the way once again, by embracing both religious and worldly knowledge. The legacy of these scholars reminds us that faith and intellect can thrive together, guiding us to a brighter future. Today, we have more resources at our disposal than ever before, and it is now up to us to use them to their fullest potential. It is upon us now to do for ourselves what our scholars once did for us.

Inaaya Haque is a student pursuing Psychology from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited By: Mukaram Shakeel.

This is the last part of a three-part series detailing the Islamic Golden Age. Read the first and second part.