FREEDOM OF ENQUIRY

~ 38 ~ The same story is told by ‘Aishah, the Prophet’s wife, and by Thabit and Anas, who were lifelong Companions of the Prophet. The Prophet finally told the date growers to adhere to their own methods, because “you know your world better.” According to this hadith, Islam separates religious matters from scientific research. In religious affairs, there has to be strict adherence to divine guidance. But in scientific research, the work must proceed according to human experience. This indeed marks the advent of the greatest revolution in the history of science. THE ARAB IMPACT It is true that in ancient times, there were certain individuals in different countries whose personal achievements in the field of science were considerable. However, due to lack of co-operation and other adverse circumstances, their findings did not gain currency either at home or abroad. In his book, The Arab Civilization, Moseoleban, a French historian, explains that in ancient times, although many nations became sufficiently