Irfan Shahid

Muslim Scientists in the Dark Age Irfan Shahid

In Europe, the process of learning and scientific activities began inthe twelfth century AD after the Arabic books were translated intoLatin language. In those days, Europe was illiterate and backward, and the Islamic world was highly educated and advanced. Between200 C. E. and 1200 C. E., Europe had produced only a handful ofscientists. Whereas until 1200 C. E., in just six hundred years, Islam had produced thousands of scientists and millions of books. In the development of science, Islam occupies the intermediarystage between ancient and modern science. Some people believethat no significant scientific contributions were made in the darkage. However, Islam has made noteworthy contributions in thedark age. This booklet gives a brief account of the life and achievements ofsome selected scientists who represent more than twentydisciplines of science and technology, such as physics, chemistry, zoology, biology, sociology, history, astronomy, geography, literature, calligraphy, medicine, mathematics and mechanicalengineer