Islam Creator of the Modern Age
2. Holding Sacred that which is not Sacred
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about by monotheism. For the first time in human
history, this produced the right atmosphere for
freedom of enquiry. All things then began to be
studied without any hesitation. The monotheistic
revolution thus founded the very first original basis
for scientific thinking along systematic lines.
Scientific research had, of course, been carried out
prior to this, but, due to the unfavourable
atmosphere, it had not been welcomed with
approval or recognition. Without this, no further
advances could be made in this sphere.
Galileo (d. 1442) is generally considered to be the
inventor of the telescope. But the truth is that, long
before his time, Abu Ishaq ibn Jundub (d. 767) had
already made observations of the heavens. He had
devised certain rules for observing distant objects
and, in accordance with those rules, he had
invented a telescopic instrument. It was this initial
telescope which was further developed by Galileo,
and which was the actual forerunner of the now
highly perfected electric telescope of modern times.
The basis of modern science is observation. But, in
ancient times, several kinds of superstitious beliefs
