Western Civilization Through Muslim Eyes

Abstract

The religious movement known to the world as Islam began in Mecca and Medina in the Arabian peninsula by Prophet Mohammed 570-632 AD. Muslim educational interest began formally about 650 AD eighteen years after the Prophet's death, when the Quran, the scriptural revelation of Islam was compiled from the notes of his disciples, since like Socrates and Jesus, Mohammed wrote nothing but had to strive through precept, example, symbolic actions and recitation to engage his hearers in search for a better spiritual life. Indeed, one of the Muslim's cardinal means to this end was the parallel search for knowledge. An Islamic scriptural verse which has perpetually given impetus to Muslims' scholastic pursuit and innovation reads: