The great polymath Muslim scholar, Abu al-Rayhn Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni (973-1048 CE), generally known as Al-Biruni, was one of the first Muslim scholars who demonstrated a modern scientific outlook.  He lived a full life of 75 years and undertook ground-breaking research in almost all of the natural science fields then known.  George Sarton described him as “one of the greatest scientists in Islam, and, all considered, one of the greatest of all times”. Al-Biruni was an early exponent of the experimental scientific method  and also a pioneer of comparative sociology . ........... [click here to download the full article in pdf ]

 

 

PEOPLE living in Muslim countries in 2013 had an average life expectancy at birth of 67 years — four years below the global average. The global average life expectancy today is much greater than in 1900 — then only 31 years. Under the medieval Islamic Caliphate, however, life expectancy of the general population was relatively high, above 35 years. This is greater than longevity figures estimated for medieval English aristocracy (30 years) and classical Rome (20 to 30 years).............. Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

THE Malaysian medical fraternity has shown a timely initiative in holding on Oct 29, 2012 the first National Stem Cell Congress, opened by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. As the minister highlighted, "stem cells are arguably the hottest area of research" in many parts of the world, particularly for their potential to provide regenerative cures for heart, kidney and spinal cord diseases. This is potentially the "glorious light at the end of the tunnel" for hopeful patients suffering debilitating diseases............. Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

FOR our enlightenment and progress, the Muslim ummah today needs to regain the spirit of wonder of the early Muslims whose faith in God soared under inspiration from the Quranic revelations and tutelage of Prophet Muhammad. With these, Muslims could appreciate God’s mercy and benevolence in creating the universe with man in the august role as khalifah (vicegerent) and custodian of the earth and the heavens. In one inspiring verse 45:13, God says: “He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth.”............ Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

The infamous Boko Haram sect erupted on the world stage in 2009 with their aim to establish an Islamic State. Since their subsequent radicalisation resulting from harsh treatment at the hands of State security forces, they degenerated into harassing  innocent civilians, especially schoolchildren. Boko Haram’s approach is aligned with certain influential opinion-makers in the Muslim states, who teach that receiving a modern education is evil and forbidden as the popular name of “Boko Haram” implies............ Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

 

IT has always been a big question: "Which Muslims in what Muslim country are closer to achieving the ideal of Islamic wellbeing"? Whose country is doing better at applying Islamic values? A newly formulated rating index, the Islamic Index of Wellbeing (IIW), suggests that Muslims in Malaysia lead the Muslim countries surveyed in Islamic wellbeing, just ahead of their Indonesian cousins........... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)