Golden Age of Islam Science
The Golden Age of Islam, from the 8th to the 14th century, marked an extraordinary period of scientific, cultural, and intellectual growth in the Islamic world. During this era, scholars from various parts of the Muslim world, including the Middle East, North Africa, Spain (Al-Andalus), and Persia, made remarkable contributions to multiple disciplines, such as medicine, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, engineering, and philosophy. The achievements of these scholars, along with notable inventions by Muslims, not only transformed their societies but also laid the groundwork for the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution in Europe. Below, we explore the major scientific advancements during the Golden Age of Islam.
"The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind." [Hadith]
List of Inventions by Muslims
Take a moment and think about the things surrounding you. It could be your morning cup of coffee, a new tab in your bank account, or art hanging on the wall across your desk.
Have you ever wondered where these daily necessities came from?
During the Golden Age of Islam, Muslim scholars and inventors contributed significantly to the world through various innovations and inventions. Below is a list of some key inventions and advancements made by Muslims.
Coffee
In the 15th century, Sufi monks in Yemen discovered coffee and started using it to stay alert during their long hours of prayer and meditation. They brewed coffee beans grown in the highland regions of Yemen. Drinking coffee helped them stay awake and focus on Acts of worship. As the Sufis began using it regularly, the popularity of coffee quickly spread across the Arabian Peninsula. People in cities like Mecca in Saudi Arabia and Cairo soon adopted the drink, making it a common part of daily life.
Over time, coffee became an important part of social gatherings and religious practices in the Muslim world. Its influence did not stop there. The habit of drinking coffee traveled beyond the Arabian Peninsula and eventually reached Europe. Once it arrived in Europe, coffee became extremely popular and spread across the globe, becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
Flight (Abbas Ibn Firnas)
In the 9th century, Abbas Ibn Firnas, a scholar from Andalusia, made one of the earliest known attempts at human flight. Inspired by the way birds fly, he designed a flying machine with wings made from silk and wood. He attached the wings to his body and launched himself from a high point.
Although he managed to glide for a short distance, he could not land smoothly and was injured during his landing. Despite this, his experiment was a groundbreaking effort to understand how humans could fly. His attempt was recorded by historians such as Al-Maqqari, who praised his bravery and innovation.
Abbas Ibn Firnas’s work laid the foundation for future studies in aerodynamics. His ideas inspired later inventors, including Leonardo da Vinci, and his experiment is considered one of the first steps toward developing modern aviation technology.
Clocks (Al-Jazari)
Al-Jazari, a brilliant inventor and engineer from the 12th century, designed advanced water clocks that were both practical and beautiful. His most famous creation was the Elephant Clock, a large mechanical clock that used water to measure time. It featured a bowl filled with water that caused a system of weights and gears to move at regular intervals, marking the passage of time.
The Elephant Clock was more than just a technical achievement; it also symbolized cultural diversity. The design included an elephant (representing India), a dragon (representing China), and a phoenix (representing Persia), showing the wide reach of the Islamic world.
Al-Jazari documented his inventions in his book The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, which became a key reference for future engineers. He also invented other devices, such as water-raising machines and automated fountains. His work showed the incredible skill of Muslim engineers in blending art and technology to solve practical problems.
Surgery (Al-Zahrawi)
Al-Zahrawi, also known as Albucasis, revolutionized the field of surgery in the 10th century. He was a prominent physician from Cordoba, Spain, and wrote a famous 30-volume medical encyclopedia called Kitab al-Tasrif. This encyclopedia covered many medical topics, including detailed descriptions of surgical procedures.
One of Al-Zahrawi’s most important contributions was introducing over 200 surgical instruments, such as scalpels, forceps, and surgical scissors. He also described how to use these tools in operations, including techniques for stitching wounds and stopping bleeding through cauterization. Many of these tools and methods are still used in modern surgeries.
His work was so valuable that Kitab al-Tasrif was translated into Latin and became a key reference in European medical schools for hundreds of years. Al-Zahrawi’s innovations helped shape the way surgery is performed today, making him one of the most influential figures in medical history.
Camera (Ibn al-Haytham)
Ibn al-Haytham, also known as Alhazen, made groundbreaking discoveries in the study of light and vision in the 10th century. He wrote Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics), where he explained how light travels and how we see the world around us. He challenged older ideas by proving that light enters the eye from outside, instead of coming out of the eye, as people believed before.
One of his most famous inventions was the camera obscura, a device that uses a small hole to project an image onto a surface inside a dark room. This early version of the modern camera helped people understand how images are formed through light.
Ibn al-Haytham’s work also introduced the scientific method, where experiments are used to test ideas. His research influenced later scientists, and shaped fields like photography, eye care, and visual sciences. His discoveries continue to impact modern technology today.
Toothbrush (Prophet Muhammad PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced the miswak, a natural toothbrush made from the Salvadora persica tree, in the 7th century. He encouraged Muslims to use it regularly to keep their teeth clean and healthy. The Prophet said, “If it were not difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to use the miswak before every prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 887)
The miswak is known to have antibacterial properties, helping to remove plaque, kill germs, and freshen breath. It is also eco-friendly and easy to carry. The Prophet’s (SAW) emphasis on personal hygiene shows the importance of cleanliness in Islam.
Today, the miswak is still used in many Muslim communities, reflecting the lasting impact of the Prophet’s (PBUM) teachings on health and wellness. His practical approach to oral care highlights one of the earliest Islamic contributions to public health.
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and (also) the cleaning of his teeth with Miswaak (a type of twig used as a toothbrush), and the using of perfume if it is available.” (Recorded in Sahih Bukhari)
Algebra (Al-Khwarizmi)
Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician from the 9th century, is known as the father of modern algebra. He wrote an important book called Kitab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala, which introduced ways to solve linear and quadratic equations. The word “algebra” comes from the Arabic word al-jabr, which he used in his book.
Al-Khwarizmi’s work was not just theoretical; he used algebra to solve real-world problems, like calculating land measurements and distributing fairly. His methods were so useful that his book was later translated into Latin and became a key resource for European scholars.
In addition to algebra, Al-Khwarizmi’s work on algorithms is a major contribution to modern science. The word “algorithm” comes from his name. Today, algorithms are used in everything from computer programs to smartphones, showing how his ideas continue to shape our world.
Chemistry (Jabir ibn Hayyan)
Jabir ibn Hayyan, also known as Geber in Europe, is often called the father of chemistry. He made important discoveries in the 8th century, developing methods like distillation, crystallization, and sublimation, which are still used in chemistry today.
Jabir’s work focused on creating pure substances and new materials. He was the first to produce strong acids, such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid, which are still essential in chemical industries. He also experimented with metals, creating new alloys and improving the process of gold purification.
Jabir ibn Hayyan wrote many books, including The Book of Seventy and The Book of Balances, where he documented his experiments and theories. His writings were translated into Latin and studied by European scientists for centuries. Jabir’s discoveries shaped modern chemistry and influenced industries like medicine, metalwork, and perfumes. His contributions laid the groundwork for countless innovations in science and technology.
Windmill (9th Century)
In the 9th century, Muslim engineers in Persia invented the first windmills to make life easier in dry areas. These windmills were used to grind grain into flour and pump water for irrigation. Unlike modern windmills, they had a vertical-axis design, meaning the sails spun around a central pole. This design was perfect for the hot and windy climate of Persia, where water and food production were challenging.
The windmills, an important example of inventions by Muslims, were made of wood and cloth and could turn even in light winds, making them a reliable source of power. Their invention marked an early example of renewable energy technology.
These Persian windmills influenced the development of wind-powered machines in Europe. Travelers and traders brought the idea to the West, where European windmills were later built with horizontal-axis designs. The windmill shows how Muslim engineers found smart ways to use natural resources to improve everyday life. Their innovation left a lasting impact on technology around the world.
University
Did you know that the world’s first university wasn’t Oxford or Harvard? It was the University of al-Qarawiyyin, established in 859 CE in Fez, Morocco by a Muslim woman named Fatima al-Fihri.
Fatima al-Fihri founded the university with the goal of promoting education and knowledge. The university offered courses in theology, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and more. It became a center of learning that attracted students and scholars from all over the world. The University of al-Qarawiyyin is also recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Its teaching methods and structure influenced many European institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Islam places great importance on seeking knowledge. The first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Quran was “Iqra,” meaning “read.” Fatima’s dedication to education shows how Muslim women played an important role in advancing knowledge and laying the foundation for modern universities.
Conclusion
Muslim scholars and inventors during the Islamic Golden Age made groundbreaking contributions that still impact the world today. From Al-Khwarizmi’s algebra to Ibn al-Haytham’s work on optics and Al-Zahrawi’s surgical tools, inventions by Muslims transformed fields like mathematics, medicine, and science.
These advancements shaped their societies and laid the foundation for future discoveries across the globe. Many of their ideas were later studied by European scientists and helped spark the Renaissance. The legacy of Muslim scholars shows how knowledge, creativity, and innovation can change the world for the better, leaving a lasting mark on history.
