How Did the Spread of Islam Affect the Development of


Science?


Islam instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation. Within


a few years of the spread of Islam, great civilizations and universities were


flourishing. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas, and of new thought with


old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy,


geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems, such as


algebra, the Arabic numerals, and the concept of zero (vital to the advancement of


mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from the Muslim


world. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European


voyages of discovery, such as the astrolabe, the quadrant, and good navigational


maps, were also developed by Muslims.


The Astrolabe: One of the most important scientific


instruments developed by Muslims which was also used


widely in the West until modern times.


Muslim physicians paid much attention to surgery and developed many surgical


instruments as seen in this old manuscript.