Over the last two centuries the achievements of many societies have been generally ignored or greatly undermined. Their many accomplishments to a great extent have gone unnoticed. While these are not usually deliberate acts, they are ones that must be rectified. The traditional view of many historians is that present day societies in general and Western civilization in particular are direct descendents of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome in every aspect. However this is simply not the case. The ?West? of today, in general, is the inheritor of Medieval Europe and it is from Medieval Europe that many aspects of present day society are based upon. Medieval Europe however, has a huge debt to pay to the Muslims who have given them numerous advances in many fields. As a consequence of this the Muslims have made the greatest contributions to world history and modern Western civilization. They have made vast and pivotal contributions to medieval Europe and world history in the fields of science and mathematics, medicine and technology, arts, literature and architecture as well as religion. Some may even argue that they have exerted just as much if not more influence than that of the Romans and the Greek. Without their crucial contributions in these fields, the quality of life in the present day world and in the West would have been drastically different and greatly diminished.



Muslims are perhaps most well known for making critical contributions to science and mathematics. The Muslims contributed greatly in numerous fields of mathematics. They were the first civilization to discover the concept of zero. This was transferred to Europe and as a result the Arabic numerals replaced the large and inefficient Roman numerals. Muslim mathematicians wrote several great works, which later become standard textbooks in European universities such as Key to Arithmetic by Al-Kishi. Dutchman, Simon Steven, transferred this book to Europe. Also the Muslims were the first to use decimals on a large scale. Both of these contributions revolutionized mathematics by allowing greater computational capacity as well as allowing greater accuracy in calculations. Muslims also invented several Key concepts such as variables, which was transferred to Europe through Frenchman Francois Heta. In addition they were the inventors of the integers, which was passed on to Europeans by Geranomo Cordona. Furthermore, Muslims also invented the concept of logarithms and logarith tables, which was passed on to medieval Europe by Renes Descartes, as well both plane and spherical geometry. Muslims are also recognized for making substantial contributions in the field of trigonometry. This in particular helped revolutionize navigation and was crucial to European colonization of new lands. These achievements also set the stage for brilliant mathematicians and physicists such as Newton, Galileo and Einstein. Lastly, all these contributions led directly or indirectly to the system of banking, the method of and size of construction, the space program, as well as the most widely used and essential technology in our modern world, the computer.

Perhaps the greatest contribution to science the Muslims have made is the use of the scientific method. They used observation and experimentation in their research, which today, is the basis for all scientific research. Muslims also began the practice of royal patronage, which later emerged in Europe during the Italian Renaissance. This proved crucial because it provided the much needed funding that greatly helped advance scientific studies in Europe. The Muslims also had large influence in the development of modern astronomy, chemistry and physics.

In the field of astronomy, Muslims were the first to reject the Ptolemaic theory, which stated that the earth is the center of the universe. Also, the Muslims advanced and introduced the idea of the earth being a globe, which dispelled the prevailing myth that the earth was flat. This laid the foundations for European thinkers such as Copernicus, who introduced the heliocentric model of the solar system. In the words of Professor Huff, the Muslim model of the universe and the Copernicus model were, ? Virtually identical?. The Muslim advancements in astronomy also advanced navigation that helped colonial Europeans greatly.

In the field of physics, the Muslim scholar Ibn Al-Haythem made major contributions in optics, or the study of light. He first discovered the property of light moving in a straight line. He also made major advances in the study of refraction, lens and the effects on the light as well as magnification. He also designed the parabolic mirrors used in modern telescopes. His work dispelled the myth that the eyes emit light. Without his contribution, there would be no cameras, televisions, satellites, telescopes, and microscopes as well as glasses.

Muslims also invented the science of chemistry. In fact the word for chemistry comes from alchemy which is derived from the Arabic word Al-Kimya. There were several Muslim chemists who are well known today for spreading chemistry to Europe. They are Jabir, al Razi and al Kindi also known as Gheber and Rhazes in Latin. Rhazes wrote a book called ?Book of Secrets? which dealt with the subject of chemistry. In the book, he speaks of methods that later transferred to Europe. These methods include sublimation, purification, assation, solution and amalgamation. Muslims also transmitted the method of distilling wine to Europe, despite the fact that they did not consume any. They were also known for producing many important substances, which include sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide as well as soap. From the general overview of the numerous contributions in the many fields, it is evident that the Muslims played a crucial role in the development of mathematics and science, as we know it.

Muslims have also made inestimable contributions in the fields of medicine and technology. In fact, they produced many great doctors such as Abul Waleed Mohammad, more commonly known as Averroes or Ibn Rush. He wrote 20,000 pages or 20 books on medicine. One of his books, ? Kitab al Kayat Fi A Tiib? become very influential and was later translated into Latin as ?Colliget?. In this book he discussed such aspects of medicine as diagnoses, cures, prevention of disease as well as cranial and vascular surgery. Among the Muslims many contributions in this field was the discovery and the correct identification of the circulation system. Another Muslim scholar, Ibn Sinai or Avicenna in the West wrote 16 books on medicine. One of his greatest works was ?Cannon? which was later translated into Latin as ? Materia Medica? in the twelfth century. It was published in Rome in 1593 and became one of many Muslim books to be used as textbooks for medical schools in Europe. This book was said to have even influenced Leonardo Di Vinci. According to Dr William Osler, Ibn Sinai?s book was ?medical bible of medieval times?. Of further note is that Muslims were the first to use invent and use widely the eyeglasses and anesthetics, both of which are used universally and are of the utmost importance to millions of people.

Muslims have also contributed to practically every field of technology, most of which was passed onto medieval Europe. They contributed in the fields of agricultural, industrial, military, metallurgy as well as civic technology. In the fields of civic technology the Muslims built many new roads and bridges in the conquered lands, which greatly improved communications. In addition Muslims also made major advances in surveying technology. This more accurate method of surveying which helped to put the land to its maximum use was later passed on to medieval Europe. Of considerable note was the Muslim use of dams and cisterns. This helped effectively control waters, which increased farming capacity. The Muslims first introduced these damns and cisterns to Europe through the Muslim state of Andalusia or present day Spain.

In the field of agricultural technology, Muslims introduced many new crops to the west such as sugar cane, the source of sugar, which is now used in virtually every food product. Muslims also introduced crop rotations as well as more efficient and advanced irrigation system. In addition, they also identified and put into use the many types of soils. Furthermore, the use of experimental gardens was introduced Muslims in Spain which later appeared in medieval Europe in the 10th century. Lastly and most significantly the Muslims introduced the widespread use of wheat bread, which placed rye bread in Europe.

In the military technologies, Muslims also made significant contributions. They wrote several military treatises, which later fell into European hands during the crusades. The lead the Europeans to adopt swift and lightly armored cavalry during the crusades. The Muslims also invented the counterweight trebuchet, which along with cannons, which the Muslims first for military purposes, revolutionized siege warfare. This cannon technology was later transferred to medieval Europe through Muslim Spain. The Muslims also made military communications more efficient by using professional messengers. Lastly and most significantly, the Muslims transferred gunpowder to Europe from china.

In the technology of metallurgy, the Muslims also made contributions such as introducing new methods of refining gold. They also used new techniques to produce steel swords, which was later, imitated in Europe. Lastly, the Muslims invented new welding techniques for gun barrels and steel.

They also contributed greatly in industrial technology. They first began the mass productions of paper and the first paper making industry was born in Muslim lands in 880 CE. This industry took root in Europe 400 years later. As a result of the Muslim contribution, the price for paper decreased. It was no longer a rare commodity and soon thousands of books written by Muslims passed into medieval Europe via Spain. Muslims furthermore, also began the soap industry, which passed into Europe after the crusades. Of great importance was the Muslim mass transfer of silk and cotton to Europe. As a result, the Muslim contributions to technology have affected everything from what is eaten to what is read in the present day world. Without their contributions, it is clear that the world of today would have lagged behind in the fields of medicine and technology.

Besides all the above achievements and contributions, the Muslims have also left their mark on the arts, the English language as well as modern technology. In the field of the arts, the Muslims excelled greatly. Because of the prohibition of drawing images, the Muslims turned towards colorful patterns and designs in the well-known oriental carpets and beautiful stain glass. They also made beautiful textiles, which were an inspiration to European designers.

In the field of architecture, the Muslims have built some of the most famous and influential land marks in the world such as the Taj Mahal, The Dome of The Rock, The Church of Cordoba, The Alhambra Palace as well as the world?s oldest university, the Alazhar University. They have also influenced other famous landmarks such as St Peters Church in England.

In addition to all of this the Muslims have also made a large contribution to the English language. They were the authors and compilers of ?Rubaiyat?, as well as ?Arabian Nights? whose characters, which include Aladdin, Sinbad and Ali Baba, are still well known. Arabian Nights in particular is thought to be the ancestor of the modern novel. In addition, Muslims transferred numerous books that were essential in the development of knowledge such as the chief books of Aristotle, Plato as well as studies by Euclid, Archimedes and Hippocrates. Muslims are also mentioned in several renowned European books such as Shakespeare?s Othello as well as Dante?s Divine Comedy and Robin Crusoe. Muslim contribution to the English language can also be seen by the number of words with Arabic origins such as algebra, admiral, genius, sugar, alcohol, and coffee to mention a few. To sum up Muslims have left quite a legacy on the arts architecture and the English language and their many contributions are among the most well known and commonly used in the world.

At the heart of all the achievements is the religion of Islam. This religion inspired them to not only conquers most of what was then the known world but also to study the world around them. But in itself, Islam was probably the most amazing and long lasting of the Muslim achievements. It brought Arabia out of poverty and ignorance and ushered in the Golden age to both its adherents and those who came into contact with them. Today it is the second largest and fastest growing religion. It is a way of life that influences the actions of its 1.4 billion adherents as well as shaped the rise and fall of many nations. Today almost ? of the population of the earth are Muslims or followers of Islam, a crowing achievement for the propagators. In conclusion, Islam was at the root of Muslim success, the guiding conscience of a quarter of the world, and their greatest legacy to world history.

The Muslims have made vast and critical contributions in numerous fields. Many of their contributions are still in use to this day. The way we live and the way the modern world functions is vitally linked to Muslims achievements without their critical influence, the West today and the world in general, the very civilizations we cherish would have certainly been less advanced and might even have failed to exist. It is this authors hope that this paper has shed some light on Muslim achievements made some progress in rectifying the situation, for without a doubt the quality of life in the present day world and the West would have been radically different and greatly diminished.