Natural sciences in the era of ‘decline’ : discovering manuscripts at jāmi’ al-azhar

Abstract

This article critically examines the commonly held narrative of decline, in relation to the development of natural sciences in Islamic history. The period between the 16th and 19th centuries CE is often referred to as a time of decline for Islamic civilisation. Conversely, this period is also considered an important time for the European Renaissance and its modern age, including in terms of natural sciences. In this article, I argue that, while attempts to periodise Islamic history can facilitate better understanding of historical developments, they are often significantly influenced by underlying biases aimed at exerting dominance over the Muslim world. I have found the narrative of decline is closely connected to the linear movement theory of history. Furthermore, Egyptian modernists used the decline narrative to criticise al-Azhar without acknowledging its scholars’ support for progress. Lastly, the narrative of decline built by modernists against al-Azhar for not paying attention to the natural sciences needs to be critically reviewed, particularly by referring to manuscripts written by al-Azhar scholars related to natural sciences, such as medicine, algebra, astronomy and engineering from the 16th to 19th centuries as a counter- narrative of decline.