As our intellect transcends into the imagination of the meta-modern world, the central thing to remember is that the conception of knowledge (Al-Ilm) in Islam is the Guiding Light (Huda), separating right from wrong (Al furqan). The way the sun brings light to our eyes to see the world around us, al-ilm is the source of guidance to see the “signs” of Allah (May He be Glorified and Exalted) around us.

The Qur’an contains approximately 750 verses related to science or encouraging reflection on the natural world. These verses cover various scientific fields, including astronomy, biology, physics, geology, and human development. Some prominent themes include:

1. Astronomy: Verses about the creation of the heavens and the earth, the orbits of celestial bodies, and the expanding universe (e.g., Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:47).

2. Biology: References to the development of human embryos (e.g., Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:12-14) and the diversity of life.

3. Geology: Mentions of mountains as stabilizers for the earth (e.g., Surah An-Naba 78:6-7).

4. Physics: Concepts related to the creation of matter and the nature of the universe.

5. Water Cycle: Descriptions of rain formation and its role in sustaining life (e.g., Surah Az-Zumar 39:21).

While the Qur’an is not a scientific textbook, its verses encourage observation, contemplation, and the pursuit of knowledge about the “signs” of our Creator. Lest we forget, Muslim scientists, scholars, and thinkers made remarkable contributions to science and technology, particularly during the Golden Age of Islam (roughly the 8th to 14th centuries). Their discoveries and advancements laid the foundations for much of the post-modern world we live in today, influencing fields like mathematics, astronomy, medicine, physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Arranging science fairs in our madrasas nationwide can significantly benefit students, the community, and the broader society. Incorporating such events into madrasa education aligns with modern educational needs and fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world. The idea to pen the essay is triggered by the “Science Fair” arrangement by Mardasatun Noor (https://www.madrasatunnoor.org/), a unique Islamic educational institution, every year.

This is to inspire our government authorities to provide financial and other support to Madrasas and Madrasa educators, contributing to reconnecting our society to that of Golden Muslim Societies of the past. Thus, this essay endeavors to briefly mention some notable Muslim scientific discoveries that had a lasting impact on modern science and technology. Besides, some key reasons why organizing a science fair in a madrasa is essential are also highlighted.

 1. Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: A science fair encourages students to approach problems creatively and analytically. By working on science projects, students learn how to hypothesize, experiment, and analyze results, which sharpens their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for scientific endeavors and valuable in everyday decision-making and tackling challenges in various fields.

2. Bridging Traditional and Modern Education: Madrasas traditionally focus on religious and moral education, but incorporating science fosters a more well-rounded education. A science fair offers an opportunity to combine the study of religion with modern scientific knowledge, helping students understand how both can complement each other. This blend encourages holistic development, bridging traditional Islamic teachings with modern knowledge, paving the way for a more comprehensive and progressive education system.

3. Promoting Scientific Inquiry and Curiosity: A science fair is a powerful tool for sparking curiosity and motivating students to explore the natural world around them. It encourages them to ask questions about the environment, physics, chemistry, and biology, cultivating a mindset that values exploration and discovery. This is crucial in nurturing future scientists, engineers, and innovators who can contribute to society’s growth and development, keeping the audience intrigued and engaged in learning and inspiring them to foster a culture of scientific inquiry.

4. Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork: Students often work in groups during science fairs, which promotes teamwork and collaboration. They learn to share ideas, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal. These are essential skills in academic and professional settings, where cooperation and communication are key. By highlighting the role of science fairs in fostering these skills, the audience will feel more supportive and cooperative in their approach to education.

5. Integrating Religious and Scientific Perspectives: Islam encourages pursuing knowledge and exploring the natural world. The Qur'an mentions numerous elements of nature, including the sky, the earth, plants, and the human body, all of which are areas studied in science. A science fair in a madrasa can highlight how Islamic principles align with the spirit of scientific inquiry, helping students see the harmony between faith and reason.

6. Building a Foundation for Future Careers: A science fair can expose students to various scientific fields, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Engaging with science early on might inspire students to take up these fields, contributing to innovation and technological advancement within their communities and beyond.

7. Community Engagement and Awareness: A science fair provides a platform for the madrasa to engage with the local community, including parents and external stakeholders. It allows the broader community to witness madrasa students' academic and intellectual potential, helping to break any misconceptions about madrasa education. It also allows students to display their achievements, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Moreover, it promotes a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation within the community, which can lead to societal growth and development.

8. Science fairs are instrumental in enhancing technological literacy among students. In today's digital age, it is crucial for students to be proficient in technology. A science fair often involves using technology for research, data collection, or creating presentations. This exposure can help madrasa students build digital literacy skills, which are essential for success in the modern world, whether in education or the workforce.

9. Inspiring Innovation and Creativity: A science fair encourages students to develop innovative and creative solutions to real-world problems. Whether designing a model of a sustainable energy source or conducting experiments on plant growth, students are empowered to think beyond the classroom and explore their creative potential. This fosters a culture of innovation that can impact students' future endeavors.

10. Building Confidence and Presentation Skills: Participating in a science fair allows students to present their findings to an audience, whether classmates, teachers, or parents. This experience builds confidence, enhances public speaking skills, and teaches them to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, an essential skill for personal and professional development.

Muslim scientific discovery that contributed to the post-modern world

Below are some notable Muslim scientific discoveries that had a lasting impact on modern science and technology:

1. Algebra: Al-Khwarizmi (c. 780–850 CE) is often called the "father of algebra." His work in mathematics led to the development of algebra, a field fundamental to modern mathematics and science. His book, "Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala" (The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing), introduced the systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations and laid the groundwork for modern algebraic notation. The impact of his innovation can be seen in today’s applied sciences: Algebra is now integral to various fields, including engineering*, computer science, economics, and data science.

2. Optics: Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040 CE) is known as the "father of optics." Ibn al-Haytham made pioneering contributions to understanding light and vision. In his book "Book of Optics," he conducted experiments that led to the development of the scientific method and the first correct explanation of how light enters the eye and enables vision. He also worked on the principles of reflection and refraction. The blessings of his innovation/discoveries were foundational for developing modern optics and influencing technologies like telescopes, microscopes, and the camera. His work laid the basis for the later development of modern physics.

3. Chemistry and Medicine: Al-Razi (865–925 CE) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980–1037 CE) were two of the giants in the field of scientific innovation and discovery. Al-Razi is credited with founding experimental medicine and identifying key chemical processes in alchemy (which later evolved into modern chemistry). He is known for the first comprehensive description of sulfuric acid and for developing distillation methods. Ibn Sina’s work, mainly his "Canon of Medicine," was influential in understanding pharmacology and the chemical properties of medicinal substances. The "Canon of Medicine" was one of the most influential medical texts in Europe and the Islamic world for centuries, covering everything from anatomy to pharmacology. Their work in pharmacology, distillation, and alchemy contributed to developing modern chemistry, pharmacy, and biochemistry.

4. Astronomy: Al-Battani (858–929 CE) and Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (1201–1274 CE) are also revered for their precision to tremendously help the later generations of physicists. Al-Battani made significant advancements in astronomy by refining the Ptolemaic model of the universe and calculating the length of the solar year with remarkable accuracy. Al-Tusi’s work on the Tusi couple (a mathematical device that improved the accuracy of planetary motion models) was a precursor to Copernican heliocentrism. Their work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and was critical in developing the heliocentric theory, influencing later astronomers like Copernicus and Kepler.

5. Modern Medicine:   Al-Zahrawi (936–1013 CE) is the father of surgical medicine, pioneering surgical instruments and techniques for cauterization, suturing, and bloodletting. These scholars' medical knowledge of him and Ibn Sina greatly impacted modern medicine, including advancements in surgery, anesthesia, pharmacology, and understanding of diseases.

6. Botany: Al-Dinawari (828–896 CE) is credited with writing one of the earliest comprehensive works on botany, discussing the classification of plants, their uses, and their medicinal properties. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for studying botany and pharmacognosy (the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants), impacting modern pharmacology and herbal medicine.

7. Engineering:  Al-Jazari (1136–1206 CE) is best known for his mechanical engineering and robotics work, particularly in his Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices. He designed various automated machines, including a water-powered alarm clock, a musical automaton, and early versions of mechanical robots. Al-Jazari’s work inspired later developments in engineering, automation, and robotics, influencing the invention of modern robots and mechanical systems.

8. The Concept of the Scientific Method: Ibn al-Haytham is often regarded as one of the earliest proponents of the scientific method. He emphasized the importance of empirical observation, hypothesis testing, and experimentation in pursuing knowledge. His work in optics, particularly his experiments on light, is considered one of the first actual scientific experiments. His methodology paved the way for the scientific revolution and is the foundation of modern scientific research and experimentation.

9. The Concept of Zero: Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Kindi (c. 801–873 CE) formally introduced the use of zero as a number to the Western world through the works of Muslim scholars. Al-Khwarizmi’s algebraic work included the concept of zero as a placeholder in mathematical operations, which later became central to modern mathematics and computing. The concept of zero revolutionized mathematics, enabling the development of modern arithmetic, computational algorithms, and the digital revolution.

Muslim scientists were instrumental in advancing knowledge during the Golden Age of Islam, contributing to various fields that laid the foundation for the post-modern world. From algebra to optics, medicine to engineering, the contributions of Muslim scholars have had a profound and lasting impact on the development of modern science, technology, and innovation. Their legacy continues to influence the scientific community today, and their discoveries remain vital to advancing global knowledge.

Arranging science fairs in our madrasas offers a unique opportunity to enhance education by blending traditional religious teachings with modern scientific principles. In this postmodern, technologically advanced world, it reaffirms that “Islam is the complete code of life.” Even it makes a difference when a preacher of Islam is well-grounded in theology and science. It points out that it fosters critical thinking, encourages creativity, builds essential life skills, and prepares students for future careers, even in STEM fields.

Educators can help students better understand the world by incorporating science into the madrasa environment while maintaining a strong connection to their faith and values. It also helps show that faith and science can work together, promoting an integrated worldview that nurtures intellectual and spiritual growth to benefit us all in both worlds, as our Lord the Most High and Exalted has taught us: “Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”


Writer: Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad, (C), NUP, ndc, afwc, psc, BN (retd), Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD). Email: misbah28686@gmail.com