CAN WAQF-E-NAU REVIVE THE GOLDEN AGE OF ISLAM? HAMAAD MUIN AHMAD, MEDICAL STUDENT, CZECH REPUBLIC
The eighth century to the fourteenth century world witnessed an exponential increase in advancements in science, particularly in the Islamic empire, an empire stretching from Spain to Persia.
Originally, in medieval times, Baghdad was the world centre of knowledge. Hence, Arabic was the central language of education in those days. Why was this so? Why was it only Islam focusing so much on education?
Whenever an empire makes social and economic advancements, there is always a group effort involved. In the case of the Islamic empire, numerous scientific game changers were responsible. Individuals like Al-Khwarizmi, the founder of algebra; Al Zahrawi, developer of several surgical procedures and the Persian originating physician Avicenna (Ibn-Sina), author of The Canon of Medicine.
In a hadith, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said, “You should seek knowledge [wherever you go], even if you have to go as far as China”. Therefore, seeking knowledge was a central part of Islamic teachings.
Can Waqf-e-Nau revive the golden age of Islam? Is this question preposterous or is it easily attainable? Indeed, it is very possible. This is one of the many reasons why this blessed scheme was launched in 1987, for the Waqf-e-Nau to be at the front line of every field. Our aim should not be any lower than this. For the sake of argument, let us say that today, each occupational field has an Ahmadi Muslim Waqf-e-Nau working in it. The world would not fail to see that this is not a coincidence. Should this happen, and Insha-Allah it shall, the world will be held on the shoulders of dedicated servants of Allah.
In another place, our beloved Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said, “Allah has not sent down a disease without also sending its cure.” Certainly, this motivated Muslim scientists to go out in the world and make scientific breakthroughs, whilst acting upon the true teachings of Islam. During the lifetime of our beloved master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, he frequently sent letters to major political leaders at the time. Letters destined for the Jews were translated by Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit from Arabic into Hebrew and Persian. During the Umayyad period (661-750 AD), translation of Greek literature into Arabic took place. This provided Muslims the capability to investigate and extrapolate the deep knowledge the Greeks possessed. The translation of various empires’ literature continued.
ISMAEL OCT-DEC 2019
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