Scientific life in the city of Ras al-Ain

during the seventh century AH

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the centers of scientific life that flourished in the city of Ras al-Ain, the scientific achievements of its scholars, and those who came to it during the seventh century AH. 

Methodology: Relying on authentic historical sources, using the investigative approach, and analyzing the research results objectively, adhering to the spatial and temporal framework of the study. 

Results: The research revealed care for Sharia sciences, the Arabic language and its literature, history, and rational sciences. It was shown that the efforts of the scholars were not limited to seeking and disseminating knowledge, but they excelled in authorship and scientific dialogues. It became clear that scientific life originated from mosques, schools, scholars, houses, khanqahs, churches, and marketplaces. The scientific achievements in Ras al-Ain were not limited to its scholars only; scholars came from the Jazira al-Furat, the Levant, Iraq, Egypt, and Andalusia. The sciences grew and flourished until Ras al-Ain became a destination for scholars from other countries to study under its sheikhs and gain strong chains of transmission. It was evident that Islam was the most prominent factor in the development of scientific life; it called for learning and teaching and considered seeking knowledge an obligation. Muslims responded to this and explored almost all branches and arts of knowledge. Additionally, the state’s patronage of science and scholars contributed to this. Muslims allowed followers of other religions to interact with them and retain their religions and cultures; they used churches and monasteries as scientific forums to spread their cultures. It became clear that religious tolerance was one of the most prominent features of Arab-Islamic civilization.