Last Name:_____________________ First Name:_______________________ Date:_____________ Per.:____
The Teachings of Islam: Unit 2, Chapter 10, Part 2 of 3 (Pages 109-112)
zoology evolution theory astrolabe circumference algebra zero pharmacist
10.5- Science and Technology
Muslims showed an endless curiosity about the world God had made. In fact, the
Qur’an instructed them to learn more. As a result of their interest in the natural
world, Muslims made many advances in science and technology.
Zoology
Many Muslim scholars became interested in zoology, the scientific study of animals. Some wrote
books describing the structure of animal’s bodies. Others explained how to make medicine from
animals. In the 800s, a scholar named al-Jahiz even presented theories1
about the evolution2 of animals. Muslims established zoos where exotic
animals were displayed.
Astronomy
Muslim scholars are also made advancements is astronomy. They used
compasses and astrolabes to locate the direction of Mecca so they knew in
which direction to pray 5 times a day. Astronomers could figure out the exact time for prayer and the
length of the month of Ramadan, the holy month.
But, Muslims did not only study astronomy to help them with their religious duties. They also simply
wanted to learn about the universe. Some questioned the current idea that the earth was the center
of the universe and realized that the earth rotated, or turned.
Across the Curriculum: Which area of study is more significant to you? Zoology or Astronomy?
Explian:_______________________________________________________________________
10.6- Geography and Navigation
Another subject of Muslim scholars was geography. Muslim scholars
divided the world into climate zones, or areas with different long term
weather patterns. They also calculated the earth’s circumference3 within
nine miles of its correct value.
Muslims understood that the study of geography had many practical uses.
One scholar in Spain produced an atlas with dozens of maps of lands in
Europe, Africa, and Asia. Other books provided descriptions of trade routes and facts about
lands under Muslim rule such as information on a region’s physical features and water
sources. Some Muslim travelers even wrote guide books to help pilgrims get to the holy city of
Mecca. To help them in their travels Muslims used a compass, an idea borrowed from the
Chinese, and an astrolabe, an idea borrowed from the Greeks. These instruments helped
sailors travel the oceans.
Patterns: What patterns are you seeing from Muslim scholarship? Explain.___________
________________________________________________________________________
1
A theory is system of ideas intended to explain something.
Evolution is the process by which animals and other living things develop.
3
Circumference is the distance around a circle or sphere.
2
10.7- Mathematics
Muslims greatly advanced the study of mathematics. They based their work in part on ideas from
India and classical Greece. Much of their work came from classical Greece. For example, Muslim
scholar’s translated the works of Euclid as well as from India. They also added their own ideas. One
of these scholars, Al-Khwarizmi, is best known as “the father of algebra.” The word algebra comes
from one of his books. Algebra is used to solve problems with unknown numbers
such as “7x + 4 = 25.” Using algebra we can figure out that x represent 3.
Another translation of Al-Khwarizmi’s books helped to popularize Arabic
numerals in Europe. Actually, Muslims learned this way of writing numbers,
fractions and decimals from Indian scholars. Arabic numerals were easier for
people to do calculations with and check their work. We still use Arabic numerals today.
Muslims also spread the Indian concept of zero. In fact, the word zero comes from an Arabic word
meaning “something empty.” Zero is very important in calculations. Zero has made it easier to write
large numbers. For example, zero allows people to distinguish between 123 and 1,230.
Details: Identify 2 Muslim contribution to mathematics today:
1)
2)
10.8- Medicine
Muslims made some of their most important contributions in the field of medicine. They learned a
great deal from the work of ancient Greeks, Mesopotamians, and Egyptians. Then, they improved
upon their newly learned ideas. Muslim doctors established the world’s first hospitals. By the 10th
century, Baghdad had at least five hospitals. Anyone who needed treatment could get it for free.
There were even hospital caravans that brought medical care to people living in far-away villages.
Muslim hospitals made many innovations. People with contagious disease were separated so
no one else could get sick and doctors treated patients with drugs, diet, and
exercise. Pharmacists made many medications. Some drugs helped take away a
patient’s pain while others were used to stop infections and heal wounds.
Muslim doctors also performed delicate operations. They performed
amputations, took tumors out, and removed cataracts from the eye. After
surgery, doctors used animal gut to stitch up the wounds. One Persian doctor,
a—Razi, realized that infections were caused by bacteria. He also studied
smallpox and measles. His work helped other doctors diagnose and treat these deadly diseases.
Across the Curriculum: In which area do you believe Muslims made their greatest contributions?
1) science and technology, 2) geography and navigations 3) mathematics, or 4) Medicine:
I believe that Muslims made their greatest contributions in the area of________________________ because
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In your own words, write down the meaning of the words below:
zoology:____________________________________________________________________________
evolution:___________________________________________________________________________
theory:_____________________________________________________________________________
astrolabe:___________________________________________________________________________
circumference:_______________________________________________________________________
algebra:____________________________________________________________________________
zero:_______________________________________________________________________________
pharmacist:_________________________________________________________________________