Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
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Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD:
ASPECTS AND THEORY
Ratna Hutagalung
E-Mail: ratna123hutagalung@gmail.com
Abstrackt
One important aspect to find out the secret behind the universality of Islam is
the urge to seek knowledge anywhere and anytime. With the encouragement of
the verses of the Qur'an which advocates for Muslims to appreciate the power
of reason and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad to always seek
knowledge. Islamic sciences are the sciences that are developed by Muslims,
both physical and metaphysical knowledge that are bound to Islamic teachings.
Islamic science is a science that has spiritual and intellectual meaning. While
modern science, are the sciences developed by western scientists who are built
on rational thought, regardless of philosophical or religious (secular) rules.
Awareness of the underdevelopment of Islamic sciences towards the West
arises because in developing knowledge among Muslims so far there are still
many uses of deductive logic. Among Islam there are still many that emphasize
literature study rather than the study of socio-cultural reality and the absence of
a clear paradigm of the position of normative values, the existence and
structure of Islamic science.
Keyword : Islamic science, Islamic Knowledge.
A. Pendahuluan
Science here, covers all aspects of insight that supports Human civilization is growing
and up-to-date. Start proficiency in speaking which is symbolized by literary works, the
ability to diagnose something disease, to the peak of knowledge of spatial arithmetic or
higher known as exact science. So that this is able to deliver people's lives humans towards a
more social an civil sosiety.
Whereas in Islam, the definition of science has several opinionsofscholars. Even Haji
Khalifa said there were fifteen differences of opinion regarding the definition of Science:1
1. al-Ghazali defines science as an understanding as contained in it (ma'rifat al-Syai' alâ
mâ huwa bih).
2. Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi, defines science as believing in something as there is (tayaqqan
al-sya'I bi mâ huwa 'alaih).
3. al-Isfahani in his work defines science as an capture of the result of perception as the
original (idrâk al-Syai bi Haqîqatih).
1
Arif Al Anang, Sejarah Perkembangan Ilmu Pengetahuan Dalam Islam, Fajar Historia, Vol. 3, No. 2,
2019, h. 99.
41Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
4. Al Muhasibi, knowing an object as it exists (inkisyâf al-ma'lûm bi mâ huwa 'alaih).
5. Ibn Arabi, knowledge is something that is produced by reason like its original form
(tahshîl al-qalb amr mâ alâ had mâ huma 'alaih dzalik fî nafsih).
The word Islam here, means referring to the meaning of a community of beliefs
(monotheism) or a particular religion embraced by the people of Muhammad (the people of
ijâbat). The naming of this religion is very clear in its existence as described in our holy Al-
Qur'an. Qur'an. It is different from the naming of other religions which are more edintic
above on the carrier. Islam—came as a teaching, not just to regulate the lives of people. life
after death (hereafter), but more importantly, Islam is also a teaching which leads to human
life (way of life) in a more pious direction. So that Islam strongly recommends its adherents
to always develop their knowledge in Islam all fields.
In the history of Islam, the view of the importance of science grows along with the
emergence of Islam itself. When the Messenger of Allah received the first revelation that was
first ordered to him was "read". The angel Gabriel ordered the Prophet Muhammad SAW by
reading in the name of your Lord Who created. This command was not only spoken once by
Jibril but repeatedly until The prophet can receive the revelation. From the word iqra 'this is
then born various meanings such as conveying, studying, exploring, researching, know the
characteristics of something and read the text, both written and unwritten. The first revelation
requires Muslims to always read based on bismi Rabbik, in the sense that the results of the
reading will later be useful for humanity. 2
Furthermore, in another verse which states, say: Are the people who know (knowledge)
the same as those who know? who do not know?, verily (only) those who have reason to be
able to receive lessons. (Al-Zumar, 39: 9). Besides In the verses above there is also a hadith
of the Prophet that emphasizes the obligation seek knowledge, even so important if necessary
"Seek knowledge until" to China." Thus, the Qur'an and hadith were then made into as a
source of knowledge developed by Muslims in the spectrum the widest. These two main
sources of Islam play a role double in creating and developing sciences. The roles are: 3
1. The principles of all knowledge viewed by Muslims are contained in Al-Qur'an. And
as far as understanding of the Qur'an, there are also Esoteric interpretation of this
scripture, which allows not only the unraveling of the mysteries that it contains, but
also a deeper search for meaning, useful for the development of scientific paradigms.
2
Samuji, Perkembangan Ilmu Pada Zaman Islam, Jurnal Paradigma, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2020, h. 14.
3
Samjui...h. 15.
42Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
2. The Qur'an and hadith create a conducive climate for development of knowledge by
emphasizing virtue and virtue seek knowledge, the search for knowledge in any way
will eventually leads to the emphasis on monotheism. Because of that, the whole meta
physics and cosmology that was born from the content of the Qur'an and the sunnah is
a basic development and development of Islamic science, in short, The Qur'an and
Sunnah create an atmosphere that encourages activity intellectuals in conformity with
the spirit of Islam.
B. Islamic Sciences and the Development of Modern Science
The word science (Arabic), etymologically means "al-Ma'rifat" or knowledge.4 Islam
from the basic word Islam gets the ke-an confix, in Indonesian it functions as a form of noun
or verb.5 Islam itself is derived from the Masdar word "Aslama", meaning submission,
obedience and also means the religion of Islam. 6 Etymologically Islam is, religion which is
based on submission (taslim) to the will of God Almighty, Allah swt. And based on the
knowledge of His Oneness. Another term commonly used is the word "al-Din" is a teaching
that covers all aspects of human life, leaving nothing behind outside its territory. 7
Science (science) is the collection of human knowledge collected through the
assessment process and which can be accepted by the ratio or can be reasoned by reason As
for what is meant by modern (English) is the latest, up-to-date, or the most recent describes
an attitude and way of thinking and acting in accordance with the demands of the times
"Modern", Modernism and Modernization, can mean thoughts, schools, movements and
efforts to change ideas, customs, old institutions and so on. thoughts and the sect emerged
between 1650-1800 AD, which is famous in European history as "The Age of Reason or
Enlightenment" is a time of worship of reason. From some of these series of terms, it can be
formulated what is meant by Islamic sciences are sciences developed by Muslims, both
scientific physical and metaphysical bound to Islamic teachings. According to Sayyed
Hossein Nasr concluded that Islamic Science is a Science that has spiritual and intellectual
meaning.8
4
Ahmad warson munawwir, Al-Munawwir Kamus Arab-Indonesia (Yogyakarta : Unit Pengadaan
Buku-buku Ilmiah Keagamaan Pondok Pesantren Al-Munawwir, 1984), h. 1037
5
ST. Negoro, Tata Bahasa Indonesia (Cet. 4 ; Jakarta : Yudhistira, 1985), h. 58
6
Ahmad Warson Munawwir...h. 701.
7
Sayyed Hossein Nasr, Menjelajah Dunia Modern, Diterjemahkan dari Adalah Young Muslim’s Guide
to the Modern World oleh Hasti Tarekat (Cet. I ; Bandung : Mizan, 1994), h. 15-16
8
Rizka Amelia Armin, Tantangan Ilmu-Ilmu Keilsaman di Tengah Perkembangan Ilmu Pengetahuan
Modern, Jurnal Commercium, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2019, h. 3.
43Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
Meanwhile, what is meant by modern science is the sciences that developed by western
scientists who are built on the foundation of rational thought apart from philosophical ties and
religious (secular) regulations.
C. Classification of Islamic Sciences
When examined carefully, actually in Islam there is no separation between science
(Science) and the religious sciences, as on the one hand the existence of science medicine,
mathematics, physics, mechanics, botany, optics, astronomy as well as philosophy and logic.
And on the other side there is the science of fiqh, the science of interpretation, the science of
hadith, and others. Although Some Muslim scholars still classify the sciences into several
types classification, including:
1. Al-Farabi, in his book entitled "Classification of Knowledge", divides knowledge
including: Language, Logic which produces exact knowledge, preliminary sciences such
as arithmetic, geometry, the science of the sky and music, as well as physics and
mathematics.9
2. The Ikhwan al-Safa classifies science into three classes, namely: mathematics, physics
and metaphysics.
3. Hasan Hanafi divides into three dimensions:
a) The sciences with rational-textual dimensions (Aqliyah-Naqliyah)
b) Knowledge with pure textual dimensions (Naqliyah)
c) Science with purely rational dimensions (Al-Aqliyah - Al-Khasanah), such as:
mathematics, Physics, Humanities, etc.10
D. Challenges of Islamic Sciences Amid the Development of Modern Science
The historical journey of the development of science, originally appeared in Greece in
the sixth century BC. Science that has a lot to do with the material world at that time it was
still united with the world of philosophy which focused a lot of attention on world of
metaphysics (the world behind matter). Science and Philosophy are still in one hand.
9
Qadir, Philosophy and Science In The Islamic, diterjemahkan oleh Hasan Basri dengan judul Filsafat
dan
Ilmu Pengetahuan Dalam Islam (Edisi 1 ; Jakarta : Yayasan Obor Indonesia, 1989), h. 114-115
10
Hasan Hanafi, Oksidentalisme Sikap Kita Terhadap Barat, diterjemahkan oleh M.Najib Buchori dari
judul
Asli Muqaddimah Fi Ilm Al-Istighrab (Cet.1 ; Jakarta : Paramadina, 2000), h. 2-3
44Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
Pythagoras, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Galen, Hyppocrates for example, they are besides a
philosopher is also a scientist.11
When Greek science and philosophy were taken over by Muslim scientists through the
massive translation of Greek classics into Arabic and Persians in "Darul Hikmah" (House of
Knowledge) Baghdad in the VIII to centuries XII century AD, such as: Abu Yahya al-Batriq
succeeded in translating medical science and Greek philosophy by the great works of
Aristotle and Hyppocrates. Hunain Ibn Ishaq succeeded translated books: "Timacus" by
Plato, "Prognotik" by Hyppocrates, and books "Aphorism" the important work of Galen and
also Thabit Ibn Qurra al-Harrani (826-900) succeeded translated the Greek medical sciences
and mathematics, the great work of: Apolloonius, Archimedes, Euclid, Theodosius, Ptolemy,
Galen and Eutocius. 12
During this Islamic period, the material science that was originally only united with the
world of philosophy, finally entered the unity of religion in it. It can be on Muslim figures
such as: Ibn Rushd, Ibn Sina, al-Ghazali, al-Biruni, al-Kindi, al-Farabi, al- Khwarizmi and
the others, they are not only a philosopher, but also a scientist a religious person (theologian
or expert in the field of Islamic law).
The next development of science, is the occurrence of flashbacks from the East (Islam)
to the Western world (Europe). It happened thanks to the hard work of studying Europeans at
the universities of Andalusia, Cordova and Toledo (Slam slam), such as: Michael Scot,
Robert Chester, Adelard Barth, Gerard and Cremona and Cremona and others. The
occurrence of Islamic Christian cooperation in Sicilia, which was ruled by Islam in 831 to in
1091, where the capital city of Sicily was once used as a place for translators of books
Muslim scholars into Latin, thus giving birth to a renaissance in Italy. Also happening
Muslim-Christian contacts during the Crusades. Since this event, science and philosophy
which have been controlled by the Islamic world brought back to the Western world (Europe)
and as a As a result, Europe emerged from the dark ages and entered the next renaissance
entered the modern age with rapid and spectacular technological advances. Nature of science
knowledge which was originally still united in the unity of philosophy and religion, at this
time the European renaissance to enter modern times as it is today. Science only focus on the
material world. Regardless of the value of philosophy or religion, so that then emerged an
understanding of what is called "Humanism" which recognizes that man with all his abilities
11
Mehdi Nakoesten, History of Islamic Of Western Education A.D. 800-1350, diterjemahkan oleh Joko
S. Kahhar – Supriyanto Abdullah dengan judul Kontribusi Islam Atas Dunia Intelektual Barat (Cet. 2 ; Surabaya
: Risalah Gusti, 2000) h. 22.
12
Harun Nasution, Islam Rasional,Cet. 4 (Bandung : Mizan, 1996) h. 410.
45Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
is a source of strength that exceeds the other powers so as to set aside the role and
sovereignty of God.13 From the influence of understanding This material encouraged
European nations such as the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English and France are competing
to seize the Islamic territory that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The Islamic world
must recognize the power of the West (Europe) both economically, militarily and advances in
science. Even more so after realizing his defeat of the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt in 1789.
Awareness of its backwardness to the West arises because in developing knowledge
among Muslims so far:
1. There is still a lot of use of deductive logic, meaning in terms of developing science
knowledge is still based on knowledge of general facts later drawn into specific
conclusions. 14 So that science Most of the results produced are still abstract theorists
and are still idealistic. That matter very different from the development of science in the
golden era of Islam in the IX century until the XI century, of which Jabir Ibn Hayyan
(721-815) for example, according to western acknowledgment was the first to use the
scientific method inductively in his research in the field of al-kemi which western
scientists call chemistry. Jabir with his Latin name being Geber, was the first to set up a
workshop with using heating furnaces to process minerals and extradite minerals it
becomes a chemical substance and then classifies it. Likewise Mahmud Ibn Zakaria ar-
Razi (865-925) whose name was Latinized to Razes, was the first person who use
special tools to carry out chemical research processes as usually carried out by
chemists, such as distillation, crystallization, calcination and so on. In the end, al-Razi's
books on chemistry were considered as the world's first many chemistry laboratory
manuals or handbooks used by western scholars after completing their studies at
universities Islamic University of Toledo and Cordova.
2. In Islam, there are still many who emphasize the study of literature rather than the study
of reality socio-cultural. As a result, there is a lack of development of the literature on
the sciences Islamic empiricists, such as: Islamic sociology, Islamic anthropology,
Islamic psychology, Islamic economics etc. This is very different from Islamic
empirical science that has ever existed developed by Muslim scientists in the Islamic
renaissance century, where the work of scientists Many Muslims are used as a reference
source in literature studies, this can be seen as in the book Al-Fihrist (index of the
13
Moh. Natsir Mahmud, Bunga Rampai, Epistemologi dan Metode Studi Islam (Ujung Pandang : IAIN
Alauddin, 1998), h. 17
14
Sutrisno Hadi, Metodologi Research (Jilid 2 ; Yograkarta : Fak. Psikologi UGM, 1983),. h. 42
46Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
science) the great work of Ibn Ya'qub an-Nadim, contains about monumental
encyclopedias that are still significant today. Including fields Zoology by ad-Dinawari,
Book of Animals by al-Jahiz, book of roads and provinces by
3. Ibn Khurdadbih and in the Book of the countries by al-ya'qubi and many others other.
There is no clear paradigm regarding the position of normative values, existence and
structure Islamic science. For example, in addressing the problems of modernization
challenges that marked by the rapid development of industrialization, transformation,
sophisticated tools information, and the strong understanding of rationalism which,
when confronted with religion, is Muslims have not been able to solve it in a dialectical
way but it is still normative. 15 And Muslim researchers are still not ready to face or
reject the idea foreigners, due to the lack of adequate preparation to fight them through
study depth and rejection of false promises. 16 The consequences of the position of
normative values, existence and structure of Islamic scholarship becomes unclear.
There is come from the West, such as westernization, rationalism, secularism, Western
philosophical ideas and everything that smells of the west is rejected and even
disbelieved.
E. Factors that Trigger the Success of Science
The progress in the field of science achieved by Muslims during the the centuries is
certainly not something that came suddenly, but through a process involving many factors
that support various that achievement. There are many factors that can explain the origin the
birth of the triumph of science in the Muslim world. Some of the most important are
explained as follows. First, religious motivation. As is well known, many verses The Qur'an
and the hadith of the Prophet that encourage Muslims to read, make observations, carry out
explorations, carry out expeditions, and the like, which is the biggest source of inspiration
and motivation for the people Islam to always study and develop knowledge. A scholar
prominent contemporary Muslim, who has won the Nobel Prize in physics, Professor Abdus
Salam, provides related illustrations motivation that drives the development of science in the
golden age of Islam. According to him, the reason why Muslims seek and develop science,
namely because they follow the commands repeated in the Koran and the Prophet. By
quoting the views of Muhammad Ijazul Khatib, Greetings states.
15
t Taufik Adnan Amal, Islam dan tantangan modernitas, Studi Atas Pemikiran Hukum Fazlur Rahman
(Cet. VI ; Bandung : Mizan, 1996), h. 38
16
Jamaluddin Rakhmat, Islam Alternatif (Cet. IV ; Bandung : Mizan, 1991), h. 176
47Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
Second, political support and protection from the authorities. Endorsement and political
protection from the authorities at that time also played an important role, considering the
financial and social. Conflict between rulers Muslims at that time did not then participate in
shackles the activities of the scientist. They can freely switch protectors to rulers who are in
political conflict, with a belief that they will be received with great satisfaction because of
their respective awards each Muslim ruler towards science. Seekers of knowledge or scholars
freely and safely move and migrate to centers centers of education and scholarship, from
Seville to Baghdad, from Samarkand to Medina, from Isfahan to Cairo, or from Yemen to
Damascus. it's not yet including those who explore all corners of the Islamic world such as
Ibn Jubayr (d. 1217 AD) and Ibn Bathutah (d. 1377 AD).17 Scientists such as Ibn Sina, Ibn
Thufail, Nasiruddin al-Thusi, and others ordinary move from one place to another following
the patron.18 Good synergy between the authorities (government) and para scientists, who are
accompanied by a very strong scientific tradition or scientific culture strong and the welfare
of the citizens is sufficient, making extraordinary thing from the Bedouin Arabs who were
once very backward and does not need to be taken into account in the arena of world
civilization, suddenly become the leader of civilization and deliver results made an invaluable
contribution to various fields of scientists such as astronomy, mathematics, chemistry,
physics, to philosophy, which on making progress and progress of the modern world At the
moment
Third, economic factors. Economic stability has an important role less important in
building a conducive scientific environment. The welfare and prosperity felt by the Muslim
community in that period opens up opportunities for individuals to develop themselves(self-
actualization) and achieve what is desired. One form the actualization that emerges is their
involvement in the field of science development19.
Fourth, the conflict factor. The breadth of the territory of Islamic rule cause power is
not in one hand. There are many kingdoms or the Islamic sultanate, which sometimes
involved conflict between them and even war. In Islamic history, internal conflict is not
17
Ian R. Netton, Seek Knowledge: Thought and Travel in the House of Islam (Richmond: Curzon
Press, 1996); lihat juga idem, Golden Roads: Migration, Pilgrimage, and Travel in Medievel and Modern Islam
(Richmond: Curzon Press, 1993).
18
Diskusi mengenai pentingnya patron ini, lihat Toby E. Huff, The Rise of Early Modern Science:
Islam, China, and the West (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993)
19
Syamsuddin Arif, “Sains di Dunia Muslim: Telaah Historis Sosilogis”,
dalam Majalah Pemikiran dan Peradaban Islam ISLAMIA, Tahun II, No. 6/Juli-September
2005, h. 89-90.
48Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
something that recently born. During the time of friends, wars have also occurred such as the
Jamal War or the Shiffin War. Likewise at times after that, wars between people are not
something strange. Start from political conflict, then into the religious realm. Birth the
schools of kalam in Islam are strong examples of political conflict which penetrated into the
religious realm and gave birth to the works of kalam. The influence of conflict in the
ideological field is also believed to provide strong influence in giving birth to various shades
of Islamic intellectual tradition. Al-Jabiri, for example, divides the three main areas of
Islamic world power which are: turned out to be closely related to the developed
epistemological model. There are three epistemological models that express it, namely:
bayani, irfani, and burhani. 20 Bayani epistemology assumes that the source of knowledge is
revelation (text) or reasoning from the text. Bayani's epistemology is is a way to gain
knowledge by relying on the text, either directly or indirectly. This tradition developed in the
power of eastern Sunni Islam. Irfani's epistemology assumes that that science is the will. This
epistemology has a typical method of gaining knowledge, namely kasyf. Tradition This is
preserved under the rule of Shia Islam
F. The Position of Science in the Heyday of Islam
The birth of a scientific tradition in the Islamic world as indicated by Adi Loyalty can
be seen in two main developments. First, development internal in the form of the transition
process of the Arabs from the view of life (worldview) irrational idolization of the faith or
worldview rational monotheism, because of the influence of the value system and
recommended thinking system The Qur'an which is incarnated in the words and personality
of the Prophet, namely the Sunnah prophetic. Second, in the form of taking over the sciences
and philosophy of neighboring civilizations that have matured in their scientific stage, like
Greece in Shams and conquered Egypt, Persia, and India. 21 The spirit of the people who
really appreciate science in the heyday Islam can be observed during the reign of the Bani
'Abbasids, especially during the the time of Caliph al-Ma'mun (ruled from 813-833 AD).
Translation non-Arabic books into Arabic is happening on a large scale from the beginning of
the second century to the end of the fourth century Hijri. Library Bait al-Hikmah was founded
by Caliph al-Ma'mun in Baghdad who later became a center for translation and intellectuals.
20
Muhammad Abid al-Jabiri, Bunyat Aqli al-Arabî: Dirâsat Ta’lîliyyât Naqdiyyât Li
Nadhami al-Ma’rifah fi al-Tsaqâfah al-‘Arabiyyat, (Beirut: Markas al-Wahdah al-‘Arabiyyah, 1990), h. 556
21
Adia Setia, “Melacak Ulang Asal-Usul Filsafat dan Sains Yunani”, dalam Majalah
Pemikiran dan Peradaban Islam ISLAMIA, Vol. III, No. 1, 2006, h. 112-113.
49Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
The translated books are in various languages, from from Greek, Syriac, Persian,
Hebrew, Indian, Qibti, Nibti, and Latin. Among the many knowledge and culture translated
into in Arabic, Greek classical works are the most numerous attracted attention, especially the
works of the great Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle.
In this translation problem, as stated by Jamil Saliba, there are two motivations that
drive the translation movement which has been started since the time of the Umayyads and
later found culminated in the Bani 'Abbasid dynasty, namely practical and practical
motivation cultural motivation. On practical motivation, there is a need for Arabs at that time
to study sciences that came from outside Islam such as chemistry, medicine, physics,
mathematics, and astronomy, which practically considered to be able to help ease the
regarding the life of Muslims at that time. These sciences are Practically it is directly related
to the life of Muslims in solving problems such as determining prayer times, faraidh law
(division of inheritance), health problems, and others so on.22
On cultural motivation, there is a need in Islamic society to studying Persian and Greek
cultures to strengthen Islamic legal system and counteract the creed that comes from outside
Islam. When there is a wave of external culture in the Islamic world which includes: the
creed of the Magi and the Dahriah, the 'Abbasid Caliphate' deems it necessary for Muslims to
study the sciences of logic as well as other rationalist thinking systems to counteract the faith
that comes from outside of it. Muslims are encouraged to study Aristotelian logic, in order to
be able to argue with beliefs that come from outside.23
The translation process that took place over two centuries has brought great influence to
the Muslims at that time. This is because the translation process becomes a mediator in the
dialogue between cultures pre-Islamic knowledge with Muslims who are thirsty for
knowledge. Khazanah great culture of Greece, Persia, and India which began to be
abandoned in his own country, get a very extraordinary welcome in the world Islam. To the
extent that a caliph is willing to pay for a book which has been translated with a gold value as
heavy as the book. Besides Besides that, this motivation was also motivated by the beliefs of
the Muslims at that time that civilization can only be built with strong knowledge. For carry
out this process, the newly established Islam could not do the task alone, but must be assisted
with treasures the great culture that existed before.
22
Jamil Shaliba, al-Falsafah al-‘Arabiyah (Beirut: Dâr al-Kitâb al-Lubnani, 1973), h.
107.
23
Jamil Shaliba.
50Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
The combination of the spirit of Muslims with pre-Islamic culture lam gave birth to a
synthesis that is not simple. The resulting synthesis Of course, it's not just plagiarism of
previous knowledge, later labeled Islam because it has been translated into Arabic. More
Apart from that, this synthesis also includes the reproduction process which is mostly carried
out by Muslim scientists at that time. In its heyday, Muslims were always open to thoughts
and traditions that are different from outside, not infrequently even give a very good
appreciation, by adopting and make it an integral part of Islam itself. Reflection and this
manifestation of Islamic cosmopolitanism can even be traced from history the earliest Islamic
culture during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Until subsequent generations, both in non-
material formats such as concepts of thought, as well as material ones such as architectural art
buildings and so on.24
Moreover, what is even more astonishing, though it must be admitted that Arabic
elements have special features in Islam, 25 but as- which Ibn Khaldun stated, that the majority
of scholars and scholars in Islam is 'ajam (non-Arabic), both in the shari'a sciences as well as
the sciences of reason. Even if among them are Arabs, lineage, but they are sharp in
language, educational environment, and the teacher.26
Muslim scholars at that heyday freely absorb, then modify the tradition of philosophy
of science that departs from postulates postulates of the Qur'an by presenting the tradition of
ex-empirical thinking perimental. This effort is carried out by utilizing the intellectual
devices as a way to find answers about the nature of reality, both real and occult. From the
philosophical revolution in the hands of the people Muslims, the concept of science or
science is born that stands on the postulates of Qur'anic postulates.27
The experimental method was developed by Muslim scholars in the golden age of
Islam, when science and other knowledge reached culmination between the 9th and 12th
centuries. Passion for the truth which was started by Greek thinkers and nearly extinguished
with fall of the Roman Empire revived in Islamic culture lam. “If the Greeks were the fathers
of the scientific method,” concludes H.G. wells, "Then the Muslim is his adoptive father." In
the course of history, it is through Muslims, and not through Latin culture, the modern world
24
Yusuf al-Qardhawi, Madkhal li al-Dirâsah al-Islâmiyyah (Beirut:
Dâr al-Fikr, 1993), h. 253; Badri Yatim, “Dari Mekah ke Madinah”, dalam Taufik Abdullah,
Ensiklopedi Tematis Dunia Islam (Jakarta: PT. Ichtiar baru Van Hoeve, 2002), h. 29-30.
25
entang keistimewaan hubungan Islam dengan unsur Arab, lihat Muhammad Imarah, al-Islâm wa al-
’Urûbah (Kahirah: al-Haihal al-Mashriyyah al-’Ammah li al-Kitab, 1996), h. 11-12.
26
Ibnu Khaldun, Muqaddimah Ibnu Khaldun (Beirut: Dâr al-Fikr, 1989), h. 543.
27
Syamsul Arifin dkk., Spritualisasi Islam dan Peradaban Masa Depan (Yogyakarta:
SIPRESS, 1996), h. 108.
51Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
now it is gaining its strength and light.28
G. Transmission of Knowledge from the Muslim World to the West
Through various studies of genealogical roots and origins progress of Western
civilization today, many historians who stated that the achievements achieved by the West,
will never be like today without any influence and contribution given by Islam, especially in
its heyday. Philip K. Hitti, for example, describes What's the role of Muslims, especially in
Spain? in an effort to bring about reform in Europe.
Spanish Muslims composed one of the chapters that in the history of the intellect in
medieval Europe. Between the middle of the 8th century and the beginning of the 13th
century, the Arabs were major leaders in cultures and civilizations around the world. Second
this field is an intermediary for recovering, adding, and spreading ancient science and
philosophy that has enabled renewal in Europe West.29 Islamic Science as also stated by
Seyyed Hossein Nasr had a great influence both in the West. Range between 11th century
until the 13th century AD, many great works of Islamic science translated into Latin, mainly
in Spanish, Sicilian, and Italy. Some Muslim scientists such as Ibn Sina and al-Razi became a
very respected name in the West.30
The influence given by this Muslim civilization includes various aspects scientific field.
In mathematics, al-Khwarizmi and Yang others were taught in Western universities for
several centuries. Astronomical tables assembled in the West are based on Muslim zijes.
Essays on algebra written later in the century medieval and renaissance is largely based on
works Khayyam. The works of alchemy and chemistry are precisely used, because there is no
Latin vocabulary that fits the field this. However, it is no less important that almost all
scientific treatises Islam which is translated into Latin comes from Arabic.
The process of translating Arabic books into English Latin is just one form of the
influence the world exerts Muslim. According to a study conducted by Salma Khadra
Jayyusi, at least There are five models of transformation of Islamic culture into Western
culture, namely: (1) through stories and poems that are transmitted orally by Westerners; (2)
by means of visits or tourism. On 7th century AD, Cordova was the capital of a prominent
Islamic state and
28
Jujun S. Suriasumantri, Filsafat Ilmu Sebuah Pengantar Populer (Jakarta: Pustaka Sinar Harapan,
1988), h. 115.
29
Philip K. Hitti, The Arabs: A Short History, h. 174-175.
30
Seyyed Hossein Nasr, A Young Muslim’s Guide to The Modern World (Chicago: Kazi Publication,
Inc. 2003), h. 86-87
52Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
is the most civilized city in Europe, and because of that people Europeans flock to this
place to learn from Islamic civilization; (3) through official trade and political relations
envoys sent from European kingdoms to the Muslim world; (4) by translating Islamic
scientific works. Monastery-European monasteries, especially Santa Marie de Rippol, in the
12th century and The 13th CE had a manuscript storage room for a large number of people
Islamic scholarly works for them to translate; and (5) through establishment of a school for
translators in Toledo by European kings in order to smooth the translation process, right after
the troops The Christians recaptured the city in 1085. The goal was to explore Islamic
knowledge found in libraries the former Muslim territory.31
Meanwhile, Umar A.M. Kasule stated that after inherit the basic scientific paradigm
from Muslims, Westerners then equip himself with knowledge that by all means transformed
to be ready for the scientific revolution. Most important process of this scientific
transformation is institutionalization. Europeans have form of university institutions. This
activity has been the foundation of science since centuries middle to the present. In
universities, science and science are well regulated. Natural philosophy superior in the West
because it can absorb the great philosophical works of in science. In addition, in this
institution, there is greater freedom enjoyed by faculty and students at the university. Beside
the translator-and universities, other factors that allow the advancement of tradition science in
Europe is the emergence of a group of philosophers-theologians. They played a major role in
supporting philosophy as a field of study that urgent. Basically they are the ones who save
philosophy from church anger. Compared to their colleagues in the Islamic world who
"hostile" to philosophy, theologians in the West seek a compromise between philosophy and
theology. In fact, if necessary theology uses philosophical ideas.
It is the fact that philosophy and theologians link together that explains the paradox of
why Aristotle's philosophy which the Church disliked could grew up in a medieval
university, whereas at that time the university was in under the protection of the Church. So
supportive of philosophy, theologians It provides study facilities at the university. In fact,
they make philosophy is a requirement for students who wish to obtain a degree in theology
and required to get high marks in philosophy. Then it's natural then if the famous scientists of
the time were at the same time theologians. Figures like Magnus, Robert Grosseteste, Joh
Pecham, Theodoric of Freiberg, Thomas Brandwardine, Nicole Oresme, and Henry of
Langenstein represents this fact. Peaceful atmosphere in Europe towards the 17th century AD
31
Salma Khadra Jayyusi sebagaimana dikutip oleh Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, “Akar
Kebudayaan Barat”, dalam majalah ISLAMIA, Vol. III, No. 2, Januari-Maret 2007, h. 24.
53Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
is very support scientific activities there. Social and political stability too means mental
stability, without which intellectual progress would not be materialized. Western Europe has
never experienced terror like the world has experienced Muslims by the Mongols and the
Crusaders. Prosperity The economy is also closely related to the peaceful atmosphere in
Europe.
Cities there are generally more prosperous than the sultanates in Muslim world.
Europeans discovered the world by sea and land, not just a plan for the birth of brilliant ideas
and resources economic prosperity or holy religious mission with the motto of gold, gospel,
and glory, but also an adventure in search of knowledge. Departing from the great influence
injected by culture Muslims in addition to of course the internal processes that apply in
Western culture itself, has given birth to various revolutionary movements that closely related
to the spirit to continue to carry out various studies and breakthroughs in the field of science.
Qualified mastery in the field of science This is what is then believed to play an important
role in ushering Western civilization to become superior as Previously also applies to Muslim
civilization.
54Journal Of Comprehensive Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022
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