THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
From the first university to advancements in medicine, many contributions from the Muslim world laid the foundations for society as we know it.
This October, in celebration of Islamic History Month, is the perfect time to reflect on the rich contributions of the Muslim world to our daily lives. One of these contributions is coffee, a drink many of us simply cannot live without. Though Italy’s espresso bars often come to mind when we think of coffee, its origins lie far to the south — in Yemen. It was there, among Sufi monasteries, that coffee was first brewed to help monks stay awake during late-night prayers. From Yemen, coffee spread across the Islamic world before making its way to Europe, where it became the global phenomenon it is today.
Coffee is just one of the many remarkable contributions from the Muslim world. From the first university to the first toothbrush, countless Muslim inventions have profoundly shaped our modern world. These innovative ideas, often forgotten, stem from centuries of rich history.
In light of Islamic History Month, this article aims to highlight nine significant Muslim inventions that form the backbone of modern society.
The scientific method, which constitutes the basis of modern research, originated from the works of a Muslim scholar. Ibn Al-Haytham, commonly known as Al-Hazen, pioneered the process of testing hypotheses and verifying results through observation and experimentation. His innovative and methodical approach which emphasized creative and critical thinking, predates Renaissance scientists by nearly five centuries.
Many critical advances in optics came from the Muslim world, and Ibn Al-Haytham played a key role in these developments. He introduced the concept of the camera obscura, the earliest form of the camera, and his work on the nature of light and vision laid the foundation for modern optics.
In the 14th century, Ibn Khaldun conducted the first systematic study of sociological concepts. His monumental work, Kitab al-Ibar (Book of Lessons), explored the rise and fall of civilizations and delved into the complexities of human society long before Western sociological theories emerged.
Around the year 1000, the famous physician Al-Zahrawi compiled a 1,500-page encyclopedia on surgery which served as the standard reference in Europe for centuries. Among his many groundbreaking contributions were the use of dissolvable catgut for sutures, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove stitches, and innovations in cesarean sections and surgical tools, including the first surgical forceps.
In ninth-century Spain, almost 600 years before Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches of flying machines, Abbas Ibn Firnas attempted flight using a winged apparatus. Although his efforts ended in a crash landing, his work remains one of the earliest recorded attempts at aviation.
The concept of the university as an institution of higher learning was pioneered by Fatima Al-Fihri in 859 CE. She founded Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco, which still operates today, making it the world’s oldest operating degree-granting institution.
The term “algebra” comes from the title of a book written by Al-Khwarizmi in the ninth century, Kitab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala, meaning “The Book of Reasoning and Balancing.” Al-Khwarizmi is considered the father of algebra and introduced concepts such as solving quadratic equations and the principles of exponentiation.
The idea of hospitals as institutions offering medical care to all, originated in the Muslim world. The first hospital of its kind, built in Cairo in 872 CE, was the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Hospital. It offered free care and operated on the principle of compassion for all in need, a practice rooted in Islamic tradition.
The first known use of the toothbrush dates back to around 600 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended cleaning one’s teeth using a twig from the Miswak tree. Today’s toothpaste contains ingredients similar to those found in Miswak, highlighting how this ancient practice has endured through the centuries.
These contributions from the Islamic world are often overlooked or misattributed, but they have played a foundational role in shaping the society we live in today. From scientific methods and university education to healthcare and hygiene, Islamic history is full of innovations that continue to influence our daily lives. As we navigate Islamic History Month, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate these lasting legacies.
For students interested in exploring the Muslim world, its history, and what it means to be a Muslim today, or have any questions about the culture and heritage, there are fantastic opportunities available on campus. The Islamic Dawah Society, as well as other Muslim-led student groups like the University of Saskatchewan Muslim Students’ Association and Islamic Relief USask, are hosting a variety of events. Specifically, the Islamic Dawah Society holds weekly sessions covering significant historical events that shape our contemporary context. This follows their incredibly successful decolonizing series covered last year. These sessions take place every Thursday, starting on October 3rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Health Sciences Building. To stay updated, be sure to follow their Instagram page: @ids.usask.
