History and Philosophy of Islamic Science (I.B.Tauris in Association With the Islamic Texts Society), The

By Osman Bakar.

Book Description

Professor Osman Bakar invites readers on an illuminating journey through the rich intellectual heritage of Islamic civilization, exploring how scientific inquiry flourished within a deeply spiritual framework. This comprehensive examination reveals the profound connections between Islamic teachings and the pursuit of knowledge across multiple disciplines.

Rather than viewing science and spirituality as separate domains, Bakar demonstrates how Islamic scholars from the third century onward understood these fields as organically interconnected aspects of divine truth. The book explores the foundational principles that guided scientific investigation in the Islamic world, showing how empirical study served as a pathway to deeper understanding of both the natural world and spiritual reality.

Through careful analysis of various scientific traditions, readers discover how Islamic thinkers approached knowledge as a unified whole, where astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy all contributed to a greater comprehension of existence. This interdisciplinary approach offers valuable insights for contemporary seekers who wish to integrate rational inquiry with spiritual wisdom.

The work addresses fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge itself, examining how different branches of learning relate to one another within an Islamic worldview. For readers interested in understanding how scientific exploration can complement rather than conflict with spiritual development, this scholarly yet accessible text provides a thoughtful foundation for reflection on the relationship between reason, faith, and the pursuit of truth.