The glaring achievements of Muslim scientists in developing science and methods of scientific research are made known as a matter of fact. The analysis of Islamic scientific legacy may allow one to conclude that “Experimentation” is an essential step in the scientific research which is based on induction, deduction and “qias” (analogy).
Making use of modern terminology, we can find representative examples of scientific types of observation, experiment (pilot, controlled, crucial) and hypothesis in the publications of Muslim scholars.
On the other hand, the Holly Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAAS) are considered the origin of scientific thought and they prompt Muslims to accumulate positive knowledge. Besides, Islam released the mind to think and discover the scientific fact away from idols or constraints. In this respect, Islam preceded the so-called idols of tribe, cave, market-place and theatre due to Bacon.
Accordingly, Muslim researchers were able to achieve great discoveries in various branches of sciences, such as Gaber ibn Hayan in chemistry, Ibn al-Haytham in physics, Razi in medicine, al-Bayrouni in geology and others.
The main postulates of the Islamic Scientific Method can be summarized in the following:
1-Tawhid, methodologically and epistemologically, is the basis of scientific thinking . Allah (SWT) says:
“Read, in the name of your Lord, the Creator” (Surah Iqraa 96: Ayah 1)
It is Islamic Tawhid only that makes man capable both to discover the knowable facts of the seen world and to believe in the unseen beyond the reach of human knowledge.
2-Without the Islamic thought of Tawhid, it will be difficult to believe in the uniformity of nature and casuality of events and natural phenomena, and consequently to be sure of revealing new facts in the future. Allah (SWT) says:
“We shall show them our evident signs in the skies as well as within their own selves, that they may be convinced our revelation is the truth” (Surah Fussilat 41: Aayah 53)
3-The fundamental elements of scientific method, i.e. observation, experimentation and hypothesis are made by all faculties of knowledge, Allah (SWT) says:
“As faculties of knowledge, your sights, your hearings, your hearts are indeed responsible” (Surah al-Israa 17: Aayah 36)
In the light of these Islamic fundamentals, the Muslim scholars developed the proper method of research which allowed them to be the main bearers of the torch of knowledge and learning, as well as connecting link between the Greko-Roman classical age and the modern scientific era.
However, we are still in need to read again and again in their legacy, not only to modernize our Islamic scientific cultures, but also to Islamize the methods of thinking. Islamization of knowledge in general, and in scientific thought in particular, should be one of the essential features of Islamic renaissance.
By: Dr. Ahmad Fouad Basha
Posted on: February 15 2012
