Medieval Islam Research Articles

ʿAbd Al-Jabbār and Bāqillānī on the Meaning of Miracles (Muʿjizāt): a Study of Convergences and Divergences

Abstract This article presents the technical terminology, concepts, and theological principles developed by Bāqillānī and ʿAbd al-Jabbār in Kitāb al-Bayān and the Mughnī (respectively). It traces the convergences and divergences in their approaches to the word muʿjiz and describes the parallel methodological processes through which they critique postulates established by the “language users or experts” (ahl al-lugha). I argue that we can better understand how the meaning of the word muʿjiz was contested in medieval Islam and how its semantic range was established by reading Muʿtazilī (ʿAbd al-Jabbār) and Ashʿarī-Sunnī (Bāqillānī) texts alongside one another. An examination of how claims to the authority over the meaning of the word muʿjiz are made and the social significance of such claims are also central themes of this study.

“The Golden Age of Islam” - The History of The Caliphate

The article provides brief information about the reign of the Abbasid Caliphate during five centuries, the socio-economic and political disagreements that occurred on the territory of the Caliphate, the role of the Abbasid Caliphs in the development of science and culture, from the history of their rise to power to their fall.

MECHANICAL MARVELS: INNOVATIONS IN ENGINEERING DURING THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE

The most impressive episode of technological and scientific progress is the Islamic Golden Age, which took place from the 8th to the 14th century. Particular attention is given to engineering. Therein, this paper will closely consider the works of such brilliant Muslim engineers as Al-Jazari and the Banu Musa brothers in their designing sophisticated mechanical devices that represented complex automata, advanced water clocks, and complex irrigation systems. Indeed, these inventions showed great knowledge in mechanics and hydraulics; detailed manuscripts recording them made their influence felt in the engineering practices of both Islam and Europe. Thus, it is this embedding of practical engineering solutions with scientific inquiry that enabled the era to further the development not only of mechanical devices, but also laid the bedrock for modern engineering principles. The paper threads through the historical contributions of engineers in the Golden Age of Islam and their legacy in terms of shaping the course of technology advancement and human knowledge.

Doubt Method Between (Al-Ghazali and Descartes)

This research, The Method of Doubt between (Al-Ghazali and Descartes), interprets and explains the similarities and differences of the two philosophers on the issue of knowledge from doubt to certainty. In order to understand the truth and different dimensions of this issue, which belongs to two different worldviews and eras in the medieval Islamic and modern European world, the theses and arguments of both philosophers on doubt as the beginning and path to knowledge and certainty are discussed. This is done by highlighting their main views on their chain of reasoning, how arguments begin with the precedence of doubt until they reach the truth. Although most of their arguments are similar, but they differ in the way they get rid of doubt and reach certainty. This radical difference is that Descartes reaches certainty and truth through doubt, within rational thinking, and his Cogito (I think, Therefore I am), but Al-Ghazali in his Sufi Philosophical journey (Mysticism), he waits for the truth to be revealed to him by God (Allah) and put into his heart as a bright and illuminating light, which is a kind of enlightenment of the heart. However, despite the methodological differences between both of them in the Rational and the heart knowledge, doubt and the method of doubt for both are steps towards achieving certain knowledge beyond all doubt, to access emphatic knowledge, but each gives different status to consciousness and emotion, as well as to mind and heart. As a result, we find that the experiences of both philosophers in sustaining preconceptions and methods of arriving at truth are important and unique, even though they belong to two different philosophical and religious worldviews.

A Historical Perspective Through the Lens of the Islamic City Theory: Konya Example

The concept of the Islamic city elucidates the spatial structures specific to Islam religion and civilization, deeply influencing the lives of Muslims. Despite geographical, ethnic, and cultural diversities, it has been observed that the fundamental influence of the religion shaped similar urban formations in the Islamic geography. A key determining factor in the transition from traditional bedouin tribal life to urban civilization is the need for more suitable settlements to meet the multifaceted requirements and rituals of Islam. Societies embracing Islam have restructured their ways of life, with mosques becoming centers of worship, simultaneously reshaping legal, administrative, educational, and commercial structures, thereby becoming central to urban life. Islamic cities, reaching their zenith during the Golden Age of Islam, gradually weakened over time during the processes of modernization/secularization, with the rise of rational/bureaucratic powers diminishing their role as the primary shaping force of space. Konya, representing the characteristics of the Islamic city during the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires, underwent significant transformations approaching the modern era, affecting its physical, social, economic, and administrative fabric. Particularly in the Republican era, the Islamic city features were sidelined due to modernist spatial shaping, but have recently regained importance with the emergence of Islamic political movements and approaches by National Vision (Milli Görüş) municipalities. This study examines the Islamic city from a historical perspective, highlighting common characteristics of Islamic cities worldwide, scrutinizing the erosive effects of secularization/modernization trends on the Islamic city, specifically focusing on Konya, and finally evaluating recent revitalization policies directed towards the Islamic city in Konya.

Dark Deeds, Broken Bodies

In the year 250/864–65, Baghdad’s governor Muḥammad b. ʿAbd Allāh b. Ṭāhir ordered the defilement of a prisoner’s corpse and grave site. The prisoner, Isḥāq b. Jināḥ, had been a criminal magistrate serving the rebel leader Yaḥyā b. ʿUmar, who had led a failed revolt in Kufa against the Abbasid caliphate (132–650/750–1258). According to the fourth/tenth-century historian al-Iṣbahānī, the governor demanded that the deceased Isḥāq b. Jināh not receive a funerary prayer, corpse-washing, or a burial shroud. Moreover, he ordered the corpse to be immersed in water in a grave and buried at a Jewish ruin. The governor’s intentional neglect of proper Islamic funerary rituals is shocking but not entirely surprising. Medieval Islamic political chronicles, biographical dictionaries, and social commentaries abound with darkly salacious reports of corpse neglect and even violence, shining a light on the efforts of the living to affect the dead. Why would anyone seek to “harm” a corpse? And what purpose did medieval Islamic historical narratives of necroaggression serve? This article addresses the narrative power of corpse violence in Greater Iraq during the mid-third/ninth and early fourth/tenth centuries, investigating the political meanings inscribed on bodies unmade by others. Viewing necroaggression as a type of performative political act, the article examines a vibrant polemical discourse that toyed with administrative concerns over coercion as well as popular anxieties over possible sensations experienced postmortem.

Ishāq bin Ali al-Ruhawi, a pioneer in medical professionalism in the 9th century AD.

Professionalism and medical ethics, while similar, are often viewed in different contexts. An historical and social science analysis reveals that professionalism is a complex skill that can be developed over time. The key components of professionalism, as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, include accountability, altruism, compassion, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility. Throughout history, physicians have been concerned with medical ethics and professionalism. In the Golden Age of Islam, principles such as excellence, honour, integrity, accountability, and duty were important in shaping the professional behavior of physicians. Adab al-Tabib, an ancient work, by Ishāq bin Ali al-Ruhawi focuses on ethical guidelines and teachings related to medical ethics in the Islamic civilization. Many of the ethical issues in this book are of foremost importance as components of professionalism. However while the examples of medical ethics guidelines that pre-existed Adab al-Tabib such as the Hippocratic Oath, are not mentioned. As one of the first statutes of medical ethics in Islamic civilization, Ruhawi is a model for many doctors in the Golden Age of Islam, and over the years his principles have greatly influenced the professional view of physicians.

Contibutuins of Muslims to Fundamental Research

The period spanning from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, was marked by significant advancements in human knowledge attributed to Muslim scholars. The influence of this era is still evident today through various aspects of our daily lives, including the numeral system we use, terms such as algebra, algorithm, and almanac, as well as the nomenclature of celestial bodies. Unfortunately, much of this historical significance remains overlooked, as contemporary views of the Islamic world have largely diminished appreciation for its rich intellectual heritage. In contrast, this article aims to present an alternative viewpoint that diverges from the narratives commonly portrayed in 24-hour news cycles and online platforms. It is crucial to acknowledge the enduring legacy of Muslim contributions to intellectual progress, which have been recognized within Western society.

From ancient to modern: Astronomy in medieval Islam

Abstract This paper firstly summarises the main reasons for the huge development of astronomy in the medieval Islamic world. Then it explores the intrinsic connections of the discipline with the society of the time through some of its main practical applications which proved useful for both civil and religious needs. Finally, it examines the influence and the main consequences of this scientific development, recalling a common traditional debate on the role of medieval Arabic astronomy in the European Renaissance.

Medieval Islamic Evidence along the Southern Coast of Oman: The Region of Ḥāsik

Abstract This contribution aims to present the results of a brief survey conducted on some ports in the Dhofar region, along the southernmost coast of the Sultanate of Oman, dated to the medieval Islamic period. The research carried out by the University of Naples L’Orientale at the site of al-Balīd and more broadly in the Dhofar region aims not only to advance new study and research activities but also to reinterpret and analyze existing materials, with the goal of developing a more complete understanding of the region’s role during the Islamic era. During this time, the port of al-Balīd, along with Ṣuḥār and Qalhāt in the northern part of the country, was one of the key centres in the trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. However, there were several satellite ports involved in long- medium and short distance trade networks which may have played an important role in communications with the interior where the frankincense resin was collected. The paper will focus on two of these ports: Sūq al-Ḥāsik and Ḥāsik Qadīm.

Matemáticas en el mundo árabe: Un recorrido por la edad de oro del saber

The history of Arabic mathematics is crucial to the development of mathematics. During the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries), Arab mathematicians made important contributions in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and arithmetic, applying their knowledge in astronomy, navigation, and engineering. A significant advance was the introduction of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, which facilitated arithmetic operations. Prominent mathematicians such as Al-Khwarizmi, who developed methods for solving equations and wrote about algebra, and Omar Khayyam, known for his work in algebraic calculus, made fundamental contributions. Thabit ibn Qurra also contributed to geometry and number theory. In addition, Arabic mathematics preserved and translated works of ancient civilizations, which allowed the transmission of this knowledge to Europe and its influence on the Renaissance.

CALIPH HARUN AL RASHID'S POLICY ON ARABIC LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT DURING THE ABBASID PERIOD

This research aims to find out and examine the role of Caliph Harun Al Rashid in the development of Arabic during the Abbasid Dynasty. The questions to be answered through this research are (1) How was the role of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid in the government during the Abbasid Dynasty, and (3) How was the development of Arabic language during the period of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid? To answer these questions, the research used a literature approach. The research method used with the type of literary research, the primary data source is a book entitled Harun Al-Rashid Amir The Caliphs and the Greatest King in the World and the Glory of the Caliph Harun Ar-Rashid The Progress of World Civilization in the Golden Age of Islam. While the secondary data sources are other books that are relevant to the object of the author's discussion. The data processing method used is the content analysis method. The findings of the results of this study indicate that (1) Caliph Harun Al Rashid's policies in Arabic Language Development policies carried out by Caliph Harun ar-Rashid related to the development of Arabic in his time include making Arabic the official language of the State, the movement of translating manuscripts and Greek books, establishing Baitul Hikmah, Purification of Arabic, Kuttab and the establishment of literary institutions (2) The development of Arabic during the time of Caliph Harun Al Rashid was very rapid, which was marked by the development of literature, grammar, and the emergence of Arabic scholars

Abu Zayd Ahmed ibn Sahl Al-Balkhi (850-934): A Pioneer in the Field of Psychotherapy and Mental Health.

Abu Zayd Ahmed ibn Sahl Al-Balkhi (850-934) was a versatile scholar during the Islamic Golden Age, who made significant contributions in mental health, psychology, medicine, geography, and philosophy.Al-Balkhidelved into the intricate connection between psychological and physical health, contributing to the early understanding of psychosomatic medicine. His innovative understanding of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression established the foundation for the subsequent development of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Al-Balkhi's multidisciplinary approach, shaped by the guidance of his instructor Al-Kindi and the intellectually vibrant atmosphere of Baghdad, enabled him to assimilate knowledge from other traditions. His enduring legacy is acknowledged for its tremendous influence on historical and contemporary scientific thinking, establishing his position as a trailblazing figure in mental health and psychology.This narrative reviewcombines historical and contemporary views to assess Al-Balkhi's lasting legacy in the field of psychotherapy and mental health.

The Concept of Civilizational Revival in the Thought of Sayyid Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani

The issue of Islamic civilizational revival has been a significant concern for Muslim thinkers in past ages and continues to be relevant today. This underscores the critical importance of this topic and its role in the Islamic renaissance. Mr. Jamal al-Din al-Afghani was one of the pioneers in researching this issue. He endeavored to liberate the Islamic community from its state of decadence through various means. Although his efforts encompassed many aspects of reform, his primary focus was on religious and political reform. Consequently, we investigated the reasons behind the emergence of the idea of civilizational revival as articulated by Mr. Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, how this idea developed, and some of the methods of revival he sought to implement in Islamic society. In this research, we employed a descriptive analytical approach along with a historical approach. The most important findings of the research indicate that Mr. Jamal al-Din al-Afghani concentrated his efforts on revitalizing Islamic society to restore its civilization from decadence by emphasizing rigorous diligence, while respecting religious texts, avoiding imitation of others, combating colonialism and tyranny, and achieving unity among Muslims so that they are not separated by sect or nationality.

Review of Roma in the Medieval Islamic World: Literacy, Culture and Migration

Review of Roma in the Medieval Islamic World: Literacy, Culture and Migration

The United States Geostrategic and Economic Interests in the Middle East and Arab-Israeli

The Arab-Israeli conflict is a paradigm shift from other global conflicts, partly due to its protracted nature and the inherent influence of third-party states like the United States and the erstwhile Soviet Union in the Middle East crisis. The paper is projected to review the unabated Arab-Israeli conflicts and the United States expressed geo-political and economic interests in the Middle East. Thus, the paper adopted the desk research method and third-party intervention theory as explanatory frameworks. It was discovered that the protracted Arab-Israeli crisis festered on because of the desire of the United States to use Israeli forces to curtail Arab civilization from challenging Western culture and ensure access to the oil in the Middle East. This was made possible due to inability of the United Nations to enforce its resolutions. These became harbingers of troubles in the Middle East, hence Arab-Israeli conflict became a continuum. In effect, the unity of the Arab world, a review of United States arms and financial supports to Israel and a more functional United Nations to de-radicalize relationships in the Middle East are recommended as possible solutions.

The Economic Resources of the Jahili Arabs

The Arabs had established their name and place in Arab civilization since ancient times. They were well aware of the secret that nations that remain economically backward can never achieve progress and prosperity. They worked tirelessly and with great skill in the economic field to maintain their freedom and autonomy, which was their natural characteristic. This is evident from their economic life.We see that their commercial life not only fulfilled their economic needs, but also enabled them to establish cultural and civilizational ties with the nations of the world, which is certainly a testament to their high capabilities. They worked with courage to open up the rocky lands of Arabia and make them arable, and they used their ingenuity and craftsmanship to create countless products.An important feature of their society was that even the common man did not shy away from hard work and labor. If someone could not find anything else to do, they would take up herding as their occupation. Although some individuals, devoid of natural good sense, also adopted uncivilized methods for earning a living, the Arabs' sense of honor and pride generally prevented them from doing so.By adhering to their social values, they always ensured the stability of their economic condition and protected themselves from any external element. This was a historical achievement of an extraordinary kind.

SOSIOHISTORIS MASYARAKAT ARAB KUNO DAN MODERN PERSPEKTIF GUSTAVE LE BON

This article presents a comprehensive historical overview of the lives of ancient and modern Arab societies, focusing on their nature, customs, and the changes that took place in various aspects of their lives. Through research into historical sources such as Gustave Le Bon's "Hadorotul Arab" and various relevant documentation, this article aims to provide a better understanding of the development of Arab civilization and the changes that occurred in Arab society over time. The review covers the social, economic, cultural and lifestyle aspects of Arab society in the past and present. The result of this study is that in ancient times, Arab societies were characterized by a relatively isolated and conservative nature. They lived in villages and tribes, with strong customs and traditional values. The social and economic aspects of ancient Arab society were influenced by their nomadic life and reliance on trade and livestock. However, as times changed, modern Arab society underwent a significant transformation. Arab cities became centers of economic and cultural activity, with increasingly open lifestyles and adaptation to outside influences. Social, economic and political changes have affected their daily lives, with changes in family structure, gender roles, education and employment. Modern Arab societies are also faced with challenges and changes due to globalization and modernization. They interact with new technologies and have greater access to information. Islam remains a strong cornerstone in the lives of Arab societies, with values such as modesty, justice and social care continuing to be upheld. However, religious interpretations and practices may vary among Arab societies, depending on the historical, cultural and environmental contexts in which they live .

Comparing the Learning Climate of Al-Makmun's Era and the Indonesian Education System Today

This article is written with the aim of knowing and understanding the comparison of the learning climate during the reign of Al-Makmun and the Indonesian education system today. Al-Makmun with his various policies on education could build a conducive learning climate so as to develop science and make that period into the Golden Age of Islam. On the other hand, education in Indonesia today is also in the spotlight. Indonesia's national education system, which has a structured system and regulations from government policies, also has educational goals to educate the nation's generation. With the curriculum applied and the application of educational technology as well as various and educational problems faced such as uneven education, less competent human resources are a challenge for the government. Based on the existing data, it is possible to compare the learning climate in the AL-Makmun era with the education system in Indonesia today through 4 categories, including in terms of educational objectives, teaching methods and curriculum, educational institutions and the use of educational technology. The comparison aims to understand the advantages of each education system both in the era of Al-Makmun and education in Indonesia today.

Pengaruh Aliran Filsafat terhadap Pemikiran Neo-Sufisme di Nusantara

Abstract: The emergence of Neo-Sufism was influenced by the development of civilization in medieval Islam which had experienced a decline from spiritual traditions in the realm of Islamic thought. Neo-Sufism originated from the influence of philosophical thought in order to reconcile between religion and social understanding due to the crisis of the phenomenon of modernization in religious communities. This is related to the concept of philosophy which is considered less logical and contrary to the teachings of Islam so that it experiences a rejection reaction to the teachings that unite the essence of man with God. This school of Philosophy prioritizes the ratio above the authentic proof or revelation, so that the conflict of deviation will be greater because of the opposite in the Qur'an and Sunnah. This study aims to examine the influence of philosophical schools of Thought on Neo-Sufism and criticize the concept of philosophical schools in the archipelago. This method uses qualitative methods with libelarisis-based comparative analysis method. The results of this study revealed that the thought of Neo-Sufism is influenced by the flow of philosophy that led to the renewal of Sufism in the Nusantara.