Golden Age of Islam

“Acquire knowledge. It enableth its possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lighteth the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guideth us to happiness; it sustaineth us in misery; it is an ornament amongst friends, and an armour against enemies.” Muhammad

Muslims felt it was their duty to seek knowledge Greek texts were translated and used to further knowledge Many cities became cultural learning centers throughout the Islamic world Timbuktu, Mali Cordoba, Spain

Achievements Art and Architecture Science and Medicine Philosophy and literature

Art/Architecture

The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Cordoba, Spain

The Great Mosque Cordoba, Spain

Mihrab, Great Mosque

In Islamic art, the depiction of humans is not permitted Geometric patterns and mosaics Calligraphy

Arabic Calligraphy

Astronomy Astrolobe astronomical computer for solving problems relating to time and the position of the Sun and stars in the sky What would inspire Muslims to study the sky?

Medicine In the Qu’ran it is stated that it is the duty of Muslims to care for the sick At least 30 hospitals are known to have existed during the golden age

Al-Razi Islamic physician Wrote the “Comprehensive Book” –much of western medicine is based on this

Mathematics Al-Khwarizmi Studied Indian mathematics Pioneer in the study of algebra 5X=25

Literature and Philosophy Qu’ran Islamic poetry The Thousand and One Nights Philosophy Blended Greek philosophy with Islamic principles Ibn Rushd