October is Islamic History Month in Canada. In celebration, the Brock Muslim Students’ Association has developed an exhibit at the Learning Commons Thistle entrance highlighting the work of Islamic scholars and artists throughout history. Visit the exhibit until October 31.
Brock Library thanks the Muslim Students’ Association for this blog post.
Knowledge as Light
Guided by the Quran’s call to “seek knowledge”, a duty for men and women alike, Muslim scholars sparked a civilization of learning.
Between the 8th and 14th centuries, cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba became centers of ideas, where scholars preserved ancient knowledge, and expanded it with new discoveries in medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.
It is widely argued that the European Renaissance was primarily made possible due to the Islamic Golden Age.
Knowledge as Light – the Quran
The Qur’an teaches Muslims to seek knowledge as a lifelong duty and a form of worship. From the first revelation — “Read in the name of your Lord” (Qur’an 96:1) — believers are urged to learn, reflect, and understand the world as a way of recognizing Allah’s signs. It promises high ranks for those who gain knowledge (Qur’an 58:11) and reminds us that true understanding deepens faith (Qur’an 35:28). In Islam, learning isn’t limited to religious study; it includes all knowledge that benefits humanity. By seeking wisdom with sincerity, Muslims grow closer to Allah and help build a more enlightened and just society.
Al-Khwarizmi (c. 780–850) – Father of Algebra
His Kitab al-Jabr introduced systematic solutions to linear and quadratic equations and gave us the word ‘algorithm’.
Ibn al-Haytham (c. 965–1040) – The Scientific Method
Through experiments on light and vision, he laid the groundwork for modern optics. His studies helped shape the design of cameras and lenses centuries later.
Ibn Battuta (1304–1369) – The greatest traveller of the medieval world
Over 30 years, he journeyed across Africa, Asia, and Europe, documenting cultures and geography in vivid detail. His Travels expanded the world’s understanding of global civilizations.
Art & Architecture
Islamic art includes not only religious works like mosques and their furnishings but also the rich art and architecture created across Muslim lands. Drawing on Byzantine, Sasanian, and Greco-Roman traditions, it evolved a distinctive visual language under the guidance of faith.
A defining feature is aniconism (the avoidance of human or animal figures in religious contexts) which encouraged artists to explore abstract designs, intricate geometric patterns, and the flowing beauty of Arabic calligraphy.
Arabesque & Patterns
Islamic art heavily involves patterns, especially arabesques, with repeating geometric shapes and flowers. They symbolize the endless and perfect nature of God, and sometimes small “mistakes” are left on purpose to show humility. These designs make walls, doors, and floors feel alive with movement and rhythm.
Islamic Calligraphy
A central pillar of Islam is the belief in one God; therefore, any form of idolatry is forbidden. Muslims avoid depicting humans and animals mainly to prevent idolatry, as creating living forms is considered a unique act of God. This led to a greater focus on incredibly intricate Arabic calligraphy, written in beautiful, flowing styles on books, walls, and objects. Calligraphy serves both as decoration and as a way to highlight the importance of the words themselves.
Islamic Architecture & Mosques
Mosques are the heart of Islamic cities, inspired by Muhammad’s home in Medina. They mix Roman, Byzantine, and local styles, with big domes, tall minarets, and open courtyards. Famous examples like the Dome of the Rock and the Blue Mosque with both beauty and clever design.
For More on Islamic Art & Architecture
- Masterpieces of Islamic Art, from the Umayyad Empire to the Ottomans • FRANCE 24 English
- How Muslim Art Challenges The Dark Ages Myth (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary)
