Question:
Are Muslims a barbaric, backward people?
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the
simplicity of its doctrine-Islam calls for faith in only one God
worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his
powers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years, great
civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the
Prophet (pbuh), 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim
man and woman'.
The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with
old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics,
astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history.
Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also
the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics),
were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated
instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of
discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and
good navigational maps.
http://www.jannah.org/articles/misc.html...
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
No, you are not a barbaric nor a backward people as a whole. Yet sometimes in the West we hear some very disturbing news coming from Islam dominated countries regarding the treatment of people. Mind you, the Judeo-Christian West has also its problems.
And yes, the Muslim world made some very important contributions to mankind, although there's evidence that the Greaco-Hellenistic culture was also a major contributor, having been studied later by famous Arabian scholars, when the products of this important culture were "forgotten" in the European world.
Whatever the case, people should acknowledge at least some of the contributions you mentioned.
That was the past, now the present. I find the phrase 'Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman' hopeful and inviting. With this in mind Islam and its followers should come now to terms with a modern, globalizing world, as the West did (and is still doing).