Q.6 Discuss in detail contributions of Muslims to natural sciences in Abbasid period. 2020
The Abbasid period, which lasted from 750 to 1258 AD, saw a remarkable flourishing of natural sciences and technology in the Islamic world. This era witnessed significant advances in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, medicine, and other natural sciences. Below are some of the notable contributions made by Muslims to natural sciences in the Abbasid period.
- Astronomy: Muslims scholars made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the development of astronomical instruments and the construction of observatories. The Muslim astronomer Al-Khwarizmi produced astronomical tables and star charts that were used for centuries, and Al-Farghani wrote a treatise on the astrolabe, an astronomical instrument used for determining the positions of stars and planets.
- Mathematics: Muslim scholars made notable contributions to mathematics, particularly in the field of algebra. The Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi is widely regarded as the father of algebra, and his book “Al-jabr wa’l-muqabalah” introduced the concept of algebraic equations and algebraic methods. Muslim mathematicians also introduced the decimal system, including the concept of zero, which revolutionized mathematics and paved the way for modern science.
- Chemistry: Muslim scientists made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. Al-Kindi, a prominent Arab philosopher and polymath, was the first to distill alcohol, and Jabir Ibn Hayyan, known in the West as Geber, made significant contributions to alchemy, including the invention of several chemical processes and the discovery of numerous chemical substances.
- Medicine: Muslim physicians made notable contributions to medicine, particularly in the field of pharmacology. The Persian physician Al-Razi, known as Rhazes in the West, was one of the most influential physicians of the Abbasid period, and his book “The Comprehensive Book on Medicine” is considered a seminal work in the field. Other notable Muslim physicians include Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, who wrote the “Canon of Medicine”, a widely used medical encyclopedia, and Al-Zahrawi, a Spanish Muslim physician and surgeon, who wrote the “Al-Tasrif,” an encyclopedia of medical practices and surgical procedures.
- Geography: Muslim scholars made notable contributions to the field of geography, particularly in the field of cartography. Al-Idrisi, a Muslim geographer and cartographer, produced a world map that was considered the most accurate map of the world at the time. He also produced a book of maps and descriptions of different regions, titled “The Book of Roger.”
In conclusion, Muslim scholars made significant contributions to natural sciences during the Abbasid period. These contributions included advances in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, medicine, and geography, which have had a lasting impact on the development of modern science. These scholars’ works and discoveries influenced the development of science in Europe and other parts of the world, and many of their contributions remain highly relevant today.
