Since the 18th century the West has undergone a scientific and technological explosion, unmatched by the rest of the world. Taking over from the crumbling world of Islam, they willingly took hold of the reigns of information control. A casual glance at the West, today, will reveal that in almost every area of life their laboratories and research institutes are making startling new discoveries. New advances are constantly looming on the horizons. Even the barriers of time and space have lost their meaning.

However, despite all these advances man is living in social and spiritual confusion. Scientific advancement and progress in the technological field needs to be critically analyzed.

Problems of Modern science

• Limited sources of knowledge
• Lack of a holistic system
• Absence of spirituality

1. Limited sources of knowledge

Muslims bequeathed the scientific method of empirical observation to Europe. The Europeans took the form but not the spirit of the method. They, further, regarded experimentation and empirical observation as the only source of information and excluded the knowledge of revelation. They began interpreting everything of the world along mechanical lines. In their scientific and objective reasoning, adherence to tradition and divine knowledge was arrogantly shrugged away as obsolete. Scientists refuted everything that could not be measured, weighed or perceived with the senses.

The scientific method of observation consists of experimentation and observation. Observation, in turn, is composed of three factors :

1. The observer
2. The object under observation
3. The conditions under which the observation is made

In order to determine whether any particular scientific experiment would produce absolute knowledge, it would be imperative to ascertain whether each of the above three factors are constant or variable.

The first factor is the observer. Now, human beings are different and, thus, observation varies from observer to observer. As regards the physical senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, which are essential for observation, these are not constant. For example, the observation of a person who is colour-blind will differ substantially from one who has normal vision. The second factor is the object under observation. The more concrete and tangible an object is, the easier to observe it. The more abstract and unreal it is, the more difficult it becomes to observe. The third factor is the conditions under which the observation takes place. A straight glass rod if viewed in one medium, either air or water, appears perfectly straight. If we take this very same glass rod and dip a portion of it into water, the portion of the rod where the air and water meet appears to be tilted. In other words, a change in the medium or the conditions of observation may drastically affect the final observation.

2. Lack of a holistic system

Despite mans spectacular material progress, the social, political and economic orders are steeped in chaos and discontent. Too much of narrow specialization has lead to a lack of a holistic approach to any problem. The trees only are seen and not the forest.

In the medical field, for instance, modern science claims to understand the composition of the human body in terms of salts, minerals, gasses and other chemical substances. Knowledge of this has allowed man to cure certain ailments of the body. Nervous and psychological ailments like depression, stress, tension, jealousy, greed and enmity are diseases of the soul that medicine cannot cure because the physician turns a blind eye to the moral and social issues that affect his patient’s health. He attempts to solve social problems by the use of technology and hopelessly fails in the process.

The competence of science in unravelling the problems of man can be examined from another angle. The modern scientist is forced to admit that the origin, constitution and functioning of the human body cannot be seen to exist in a vacuum. Man is part of the human race. The human race is part of a larger group, namely, the animal kingdom. The animal kingdom is, in turn, part of a larger group, namely the organic world. The organic world is, in turn, part of a larger whole, namely, the Earth. The Earth is, likewise, a part of our solar system. Our solar system together with other solar systems form part of the galaxy, which ultimately, forms the universe.

Now, beginning from man again, we see that there are certain laws that govern his existence. These laws can, again, not be seen in a vacuum. They are directly linked to other laws that govern the organic and inorganic worlds. The laws controlling these worlds are, similarly, affected by other laws in the systems of the chain we have just described until we finally reach the laws of the universe.

Now, despite the advances in space travel the galaxy is virtually unknown to man. The galaxy is infinite in terms of space and time and it can, therefore, not be grasped by the finite powers of human perception and reasoning. The laws of the universe as a whole are not known on the basis of scientific knowledge. Thus, the human being is a part of a universe that is unknown and unexplainable to him. Therefore, man himself remains an unexplainable entity based on purely scientific knowledge.

After all this we reach certain conclusions : To know the nature and destiny of a part (man), we need to know the nature and destiny of the whole (universe). This means that if we do not know the nature and destiny of the universe, we can never know the nature and destiny of man. At this point in time modern science cannot even provide answers regarding the composition, nature, destiny and structure of the universe.

Let alone the universe as a whole, man does not even have complete knowledge of all the solar systems currently in existence, including our very own. Coming even further down man does not understand certain of the secrets of natural phenomenon on Earth itself, let alone other planets. At the level of man himself, modern medicine cannot explain and cure diseases of the human body. Thus, if man desires to understand the universe, he has to refer to a source of knowledge besides science. This brings us again to the point we earlier made. Science, on it's own, cannot provide all the answers to all the problems of man. Man has to be guided by religion and revelation.

3. Absence of spirituality

After the Renaissance in Europe the gap between science and religion became extremely wide. Religion began to be classified differently from science. The antagonism between the two caused the Western world, under the guise of secularism, to become completely anti-religious. Men such as Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Bacon and Newton all came at a time when the dichotomy between religion and science was widening.

There were a number of reasons that led to this separation. The Christian Church was anti-science from the very beginning because science came to the modern West through Muslims who the Christians regarded as their deadliest enemy. In addition to this, Christian scientists from England, France and Germany found refuge and hope in the Muslim universities, observatories, laboratories and libraries which allowed them to pursue their ambitions to the full. This is precisely why the first Christian scientists who lit the torch of scientific knowledge in the West were students of Muslim teachers. The Church could not stomach this and persecuted all scientists. Scientists in return began to look with contempt at the Church and those who were confined in the monasteries. They began to oppose the teachings of Christianity and, indeed, developed hatred for religion as a whole. They began to oppose religious teachings with regard to the origin of man, the destiny of the universe, the existence of the unseen, even the very existence of God.

From then on religion and science were two distinct entities. The separation of religious guidance from scientific advancement is blatantly apparent in the modern world. The entire scientific educational system is geared at convincing the student to discard the role of his Maker and Creator. The laws of gravitation, motion, atomic interactions, photosynthesis and thermodynamics are taught in the universities of the world without even mentioning the name of God.

Logically speaking, modern science has not succeeded in conclusively proving the absence of the 'hand of God' in the natural system of the universe. Modern science has simply understood more of these laws or understood these laws better. Scientists continue to answer the question : "What is it that exists?" The question :'Why does it exist?’, they ignore. In this second question lies the link between scientific advancement and the ‘hand of God’.

Darwinism was one of the scientific theories that succeeded in removing man’s spirituality. By attempting to prove that man was an elevated animal it convinced many scientists and thinkers in the West to use an animalistic approach to solve human problems. As a result animal traits such as nudism, promiscuity and savagery gained wider acceptance.

Man has become superhuman as regards his power over matter and his ability to utilize his technological resources, but in his emotions and passions he has remained a child. Man’s material world continues to progress at a phenomenal rate but his spiritual world is ages behind. He is wasting away his powers and resources because he has remained ignorant of virtue and righteousness, the ingredients of a healthy lifestyle. How aptly a philosopher of the East declared : 'Yes, you can fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fishes, but how to walk upon the earth you do not yet know.' Man can have no peace of mind and contentment of heart until science goes hand in hand with faith and spirituality.

Building faster cars, sophisticated microchips, advanced spaceships, state of the art weapons and all the other inventions of the modern age can certainly never produce morality, health and contentment. Unfortunately scientists, computer programmers and engineers make all the decisions irrespective of the ethical dilemmas that inevitably result from their inventions and discoveries. Until man does not have the discipline to direct his discoveries and inventions to the betterment of his social and spiritual life, advancement in science and technology will continue to complicate and wreck his soul. Man needs spiritual guidance in order to remove the demoralization and to reverse the erosion of the nobler elements of human character.

Islam solves the problems of modern science

1. Dynamism

Islam is a broad minded culture which is ready to learn from others provided these teachings do not contradict the fundamental beliefs of Islam and do not breed slavish imitation. The following incident during the very lifetime of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is proof of the spirit of Islam :

Urwa ibn Masood and Ghaylan ibn Salmah were not present at the battle of Hunain and Taif as the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had sent them to Jarash, a famous city in Syria, to learn the manufacture of the dubaabaat, majaaniq and dhaboor. The dhaboor and dubaabaat were machines of war that were used to attack a fort. Made of leather and wood, men could enter into them and be protected from anything cast at them from above. They could then come close to a fort and attack the enemy.

Many other examples from the life of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and his companions show that they accepted worldly knowledge from foreign nations. Islam is firm in the domains of faith and morality allowing no compromise of the rules. However, with regards to learning the evolving realities of life, it is flexible. Islam is completely in tune with all ages. It has a wonderful capacity to create new moulds that blend in with the demands of a changing universe. However, the knowledge needs to be subjected to the dictates of religion. Only if there is no contradiction between the two, can the information be utilized in the best possible way. If there is a contradiction then the information has to be discarded or manipulated and reconsidered.

2. A balance between science and morality

From an Islamic point of view, the purpose of science is to harness the forces of nature so as to enrich life and create a balance in all dimensions : spiritually, morally and materially. The area of advancement should be monitored in terms of the extent of benefit to mankind. Science should not be studied for merely conquering the universe or gaining mastery over technology. New inventions should not necessarily be accepted because they fill the pockets of a few or appeal to the senses of the common folk who believe every new thing to be a status symbol. The overall benefit should be weighed against the harms before mass production takes place.

The question then arises : Why do we need morality to intervene in the scientific domain? The answer is simple. Scientific inventions need to be seen in a spiritual dimension because values, attitudes and beliefs are difficult to measure and reduce to empirical study. Intellect and all the instruments of technology cannot see the whole human picture.

The need for a spiritual dimension can be understood historically as well. Histories of mighty nations of the past teach us that noble causes succeeded despite a shortage of resources and tools. Primitive people lived in peace and harmony despite being scientifically backward. This proves that technology and inventions are, basically, dispensable. The need for humanity to follow a morally sound lifestyle, however, is indispensable. The reason for this is obvious. If there is sincerity and good purpose one can achieve more in a shorter time than those who are insincere but do possesses tremendous resources. This is because natural resources and technological advancement will always remain subservient to human will and control. When there is a will to do good then scarce resources are effectively utilized, obstacles seem to melt away and man finds it easy to cross even oceans and mountains.

The champions of modern civilization claim that the foundations of a successful civilization should rest upon science, industry, economics and political stability. Islam claims that the success of a civilization is based upon spiritual and social stability. This will naturally produce economic and political stability and a healthy environment for technological advancement. Islam has a role to fulfill in this system as it always places religious and social dimensions first. It has within its teachings a complete system of law that is capable of directing man’s scientific progress to perfection.

3. A strong sense of spirituality

In the Western secular view human progress is measured in terms of material achievements. This is precisely where the Western scientist and researcher fall short. In the restricted material visualization of the world he does not see a vast world beyond perception of the senses. He regards all inventions and discoveries as fruits of his own power, intellect and effort. The power and hand of Allah behind all these inventions is not regarded as a variable in the equation.

In contrast, in Islam progress is measured in terms of the spiritual and social stability of society. Islam maintains that man’s intellectual pursuits can never be completely satisfied without belief in the divine superiority of Allah and submission to His will. Man’s intellectual progress and technological advancement must be subordinated to divine wisdom. Man has intelligence and ability but these are not due to his own accord. These are gifts from Allah. Hence, all his theories, hypotheses, extrapolations and analogies should end with the concluding expression ‘Allahu a’lam’ - Allah knows best. If, on the other hand, arrogance and other selfish desires take hold of him he will be harming himself and humanity with his new invention. Islam maintains that at the height of scientific progress a scientist should bow down to the will of Allah. He should at all times be guided by divine teachings. He should declare his helplessness and maintain his humility before his Creator.

By studying, observing and experimenting with the elements of nature, man should recognise the manifestations of Allah and realise the divine control in every natural phenomenon. Deep study of science with reflection shows the scientist the majesty of his Creator and this strengthens his faith. The laws of physics, chemistry and mathematics should lead one to appreciate the perfection and consistency of God’s universe. A medical doctor should find the Hand of God in the life and death struggles of his patients; some succumb to minor ailments, others survive major diseases.

Studying the lives of Muslim scholars of the past would provide an ideal model for modern day scientists. A Muslim scholar was one who would devote his efforts to discovering Allah’s signs in this world and direct his discoveries towards producing social benefit.

A practitioner of the medical art in ancient Islamic civilization was a man of virtuous character and sound morality. He was expected to combine scientific acumen and intelligence but these were neatly intertwined with a deep religious faith and trust in the power of Allah. One clearly notices this in the medical treatises of old wherein Muslim physicians frequently seek the help of Allah and admit to the paucity of their knowledge.

4. Primary source of knowledge is divine revelation

From a purely Western secular approach the source of knowledge is only one : human intellect. There is no room for revelation and the unseen. The Islamic approach maintains that divine revelation is the source of knowledge. Human intellect is only a tool given to humans to deal with revelation and the empirical world.

The question now arises : What is the logical need for revelation as a source of knowledge? The answer lies in the fact that the limitations of the human mind prevent it from completely grasping the countless facts, systemizing them to create a complete picture and, finally, laying the foundations of a just and successful legal structure to govern human life. A mind vastly superior to the human mind is the only power that can do this.

A stable society can only be built on sound faith in Allah and revelation. Man, himself, cannot understand and chart a life for himself which is consistent with the system of nature without assistance from his Creator. Science will allow man to observe the outward form of things in greater detail than the naked eye can, but it does not explain the inner form of things. For this only religion and divine revelation can provide answers.

The source of this knowledge has to be from Allah because He is the Creator of man and has, therefore, given man moral and religious laws by means of divine revelation to His prophet’s. This is the basis of all knowledge and should be utilised to the full in all endeavours of life. Science has to be subjected to divine guidance if scientific knowledge is going to be of overall benefit to man.

5. A Successful past

The history of Islam proves that Islam succeeded in creating a dynamic and balanced culture in which spirituality as well as science flourished. The Western mind would like to have man believe that no civilization before theirs succeeded. This is not true. Islam produced a civilization that was balanced and far superior to what we see today.

Islam harnessed the powers of numerous religious divines. Commentators of the Qu'ran like Imam Qurtubi and Imam Razi, jurists like Imam Shafi, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed, traditionalists like Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, thinkers like Al-Ghazali, historians like Ibn Khaldun and Tabari, philosophers like Ibn Rushd, poets like Sadi and Rumi are just a few of the many talented men which Islamic civilization produced.

At the same time Islam contributed greatly to the world of science, culture and learning.. For five hundred years Islam dominated. The Muslims led the world in numerous fields, while Europe was swimming in the ignorance of the so-called "Dark Ages." French, English, German and Italian men of learning would come for various lengths of time to the Muslim universities of Spain. This knowledge was ultimately transferred to the rest of Europe via Muslim Spain.

In every field Muslims were not afraid to learn, experiment and discover. Below is a very summarised presentation of some of the Muslim contributions of that glorious era of world history :

• One of the most beneficial contributions of Islam to Europe was the introduction of paper. A reminder of this historical fact is present in the English word ‘ream’ which is derived from old French word ‘rayme’ which in turn is derived from the Spanish word ‘resmia’, a loan word from the Arabic word ‘rizmah’.

• Muslims were the first to establish hospitals, dispensaries and medical schools with libraries and research centres. They composed the first pharmacopoeia in history. The Muslims were the originators of chemistry. They invented apparatus for sublimation, distillation and filtration. The Arabs discovered sulphuric acid and potassium. Chemical words like elixir and alkali are of Arabic origin.

• Algebra, statistics and other branches of mathematics are discoveries of the Muslims. Muslims introduced Arabic numerals to the world. The word zero comes from the Arabic word 'sifer'. The word algorithm is derived from the name of the Muslim mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi.

• Muslims first explored cosmological sciences and astronomy. They invented the telescope and the pendulum. Observatories were set up at many places in the Islamic State. The Arabs in Seville built the first observatory in Europe. Around thirteen of the five hundred names of the formations on the surface of the moon are Muslim names. This was because Muslim scientists made detailed researches of the moons surface many years before any Westerner even knew of these formations. Later, through Muslim Spain, did the West find astronomy.

• In the agricultural sciences, the world owes the introduction of products like rice, cotton, spinach, saffron, coffee, almonds, dates and silk to the Muslims.

• Seven centuries before Henry Morton Stanley, Al Idrissi, the Muslim geographer, located the sources of the Nile as being the highlands of Africa. Al Idrisi's book on geography served as a reference work for three centuries in Europe.

• The basis of Europe's knowledge of navigation was learnt from the Muslims. The Arabic language possesses over three hundred names for various kinds of boats and ships. The word 'admiral', for instance, comes from the Arabic phrase 'Amier al-Bahr' meaning ‘commander of the sea’.

The Muslims carried the torch of science in an age when no other civilization was capable of doing so. The Eastern Christian Church had persecuted all scientists. The Islamic State gave scientists refuge and cultivated their creative talents. This culture of learning enlightened the ancient world and was later inherited by the West. The West deceitfully declared it as their intellectual achievement. An overpowering sentiment of hate embedded in European culture prevented Europe from crediting the Muslims for their notable achievements.

While some Western historians have written books on the high level of scholarship and research of the Muslims compared to the Europeans, few make the connection between Muslim science and the scientific explosion that was to occur later in Europe. The fact remains that the scientific revolution in 17th century Europe rose from the foundations laid by the Muslims.

Testimony of non-Muslims

• Bertrand Russel in History of Western Philosophy, London, 1948, p. 419 :

  "Our use of the phrase ‘the Dark Ages’ to cover the period from 699 1000 marks our undue concentration on Western Europe…From India to Spain, the brilliant civilization of Islam flourished. What was lost to Christendom at this time was not lost to civilization, but quite the contrary. To us it seems that West-European civilization is civilization, but this is a narrow view.’’

• Robert Briffault in The Making of Humanity, p. 190 :

  The Greeks systemized, generalized and theorized, but the patient ways of investigation, the accumulation of positive knowledge, the minute methods of science, detailed and prolonged observation and experimental enquiry were altogether alien to the Greek temperament… What we call science arose in Europe as a result of a new spirit of enquiry, of new methods of investigation, of the method of experiment, observation, measurement, of the development of Mathematics in a form unknown to the Greeks. The spirit and those methods were introduced into the European world by the Arabs.

Conclusion

Today man is in fear and anxiety. Poverty and misery are rampant. Tyranny and oppression are widespread. The true joy, warmth and variety of life is no more. There is no peace and tranquillity of the heart and soul. Immorality has increased. Mankind is more insecure and unstable than ever before. Why? Technology and resources cannot be blamed for this calamity. Machines and gadgets are innocent and can be used for the benefit or detriment of society. The reason for this chaos is that Western man has concentrated all his energies upon the outer world of nature and has done little to reform and perfect his relationship with Allah and his fellow man. Technology has been created at a much faster rate than his ability to reform his social, political and economic systems. The West has all the resources and information but lack the healthy sense of purpose that only Islam possesses. The scientists and thinkers of the West need to blend their theories and thoughts with the spirituality of Islam. This is the solution that will create a peaceful world and restore the humanity of man.

It was the Muslim scientists and men of knowledge who caused the volcano of knowledge to burst into Europe. Islam's superb spirituality coupled with maturity of action and utilization of the material world had once and for all broken the chains of intellectual slavery. Today, however, despite the technological advancement of man, he is worse off than his primitive predecessors who lived centuries ago. It would only be logical if we could once again revert to the system that will create a balance between all aspects of life and make life worth living once again.