Yes, Muslim countries lost scientific grounds

Submitted by M'Hamed CHETTALI (Belgium), Feb 14, 2006 at 09:46

Dear Mr Kurtzig,

I don't know what's the point you are trying to make. As a matter of fact, not all nations have historically been creative and productive at the same time. But, you're right to point out that Muslim countries are not creative at this time. There are many factors that could explain the relative decline of Islamic countries. I dare posit that other important factors have played a major role. Some factors are indigenous and some are external. You know what I mean. But, let's first agree that Islam does encourage the scientific quest.

Moreover, Muslims have made a valuable contribution to scientific progress. Karen Armstrong, the author of "Holy War", says, "This fact has never been acknowledged in the west that all the scientific and technological development that we have today, we owe it to the Arabs and Muslims". So, we really need to disantangle the issues and refrain from amalgaming things. Yes, there will be times when discoveries will come from Muslim countries. But, more importantly, I take issue with what your post implies. I don't measure progress by 'mobile phones' only !

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