Learn but be have your own filter

 

Overall the book is informative and thoughtful, and thought provoking. I do have the following observations;

The speaker superimposes his early 21stcentury values on his assessment of completely different moral and ethical values. Its saying someone is good or bad because they are like me or different from me today, and that is irrational especially considering that many values tend to change from one generation.

In the lecture on Al Buckari, the presenter does not mentioned the methodology used to assess the strength of the Hadith. He does not state that a complete science is dedicated to assessing the trustworthiness of Hadith chains and transmitters called the Jarh and Tadil. The way it is portrayed now implies randomness and a high degree of uncertainty.

In one of the lectures the speaker mentions the term “wahabi” as a subcategory of Hanbali. This is a derogatory and baseless term fabricated in recent decades for reasons other than historical description, in simple terms it is primarily a segregation tool. Mohammed Ibn Abdulwahab did not develop a separate ideology or school of thought, he simply promoted the return to grassroots Islam, without superimposing later schools of thought. There are several other reasons why this term is in error, which for brevity will not be discussed here.

The assertion in the lecture on Al Bayruni that the Quran indicates that the Sun, moon, and other celestial objects revolve around the Earth. Where does it state so? There is not a single verse in the Quran that will contradict scientific fact.

The frequently stated driver for the Islamic Golden Age was stated to be a feeling of inferiority on the side of the Arabs. Again, what is the basis for this assertion? A feeling of inferiority does not sustain hundreds of years of scientific pursuits. A Muslim employs drivers other than just materialistic pursuits. With the belief that God created our existence, science to Muslims a  pathway to knowing God better, and being a stronger believer and way of getting perpetual good deeds through giving benefit to others.

In all I still think the lectures were beneficial and well worth the cost.

21 people found this helpful

You gotta get smart to see how dumb you are”.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

At first, I hesitated to select this title. Maybe like you, the current situation in many Islamic countries shaded my expectations of what could have been achieved a millenia ago. Now I know. It was enormous.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age?

The scope is ambitious but it manages to sparkle as well. I loved the many, small portraits of the thinkers. E.g. a wily scientist who feigned insanity to escape execution by his sponsor. Or a poet who extolled the delights of getting drunk – in an Islamic country. Human genius, human nature.

What does Professor Eamonn Gearon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love the spoken word. To listen to a story told by a gifted storyteller is pure magic.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I deeply respect the work and dedication that went into it. This is a work that acknowledges the contribution of minds that have borne us further. But the author has labored in an area which has been deprived of both attention and public sympathy. This is true dedication and scholarship.

Any additional comments?

This book deserves a broad readership.

10 people found this helpful

Nothing short of wonderful!

Professor Gearon is eloquent, entertaining, passionate and I dare say a polymath himself. He inspires love for the subject. What a pleasure to have such gifted professors!

5 people found this helpful

Not so precise overview.

The author tried to give a good overview but he suffered from subconscious bias and prejudice that Western writers normally fall into when they talk about Islam. For example, he treated the authenticity of Bukhari in a shallow manner and then tried to show that his work may not be as authentic as Muslims believe.
Furthermore, there were a remarkable number of technical mistakes in the content. For example, he claimed that prophet Mohammad used to drink wine at a certain stage in his life. This is a big lie and no one can provide any authentic evidence on it.

3 people found this helpful

The most well organized and well researched book

Of the many books on audible that I have downloaded and listened to, by far the best on this topic. The books on history are often hard to follow, unless narration is done well. But this was an outstanding price of work. The professor has done tremendous research and giving a very balanced view on the topic. I highly recommend this course for anyone.

2 people found this helpful

Great survey of a time period I was missing

I was having a hard time finding anything about this era that I could read, and thankfully Professor Gearon came through. I particularly appreciated that this wasn’t just another explanation of the political and military intrigues that took place during this time. While they were mentioned from time to time as needed, the lecture was exactly what it said it would be: an overview of the Muslim world’s advancements in math, science, architecture, philosophy, medicine, literature, and more during the time of the House of Wisdom.

Not to say that the political/military angle wouldn’t have been interesting, but I think we get trapped in the backstabbing and maneuvering sometimes when looking back at history and we forget that there was also music, learning, and things that pushed humanity forward. Thank you, Prof, for helping me understand more about this age. I’m excited to find out more.

1 person found this helpful

...Staggering...

Narrated with demonstrable enthusiasm and a rich,pleasing voice is this tremendous compendium of Islamic accomplishments over time.The breadth and depth of topics discussed is profound.As if representing the largest world-wide empire in history is not enough, Islam touched,molded,affected and explored everything in its' pathway.This encompassed areas from astronomy to medicine,from art forms to mathematics,from calligraphy to minarets leaving a mark on everything.Islamic influence stretched towards excellence.Of special intrigue was the establishment of Baghdad's House of Wisdom.This was the attempt to consolidate all known knowledge into Arabic.This seems in great contrast to today's devaluation of contemporary knowledge.This course expands the understanding of Islamic contribution and makes known characteristics of Islam more commendable than the patriarchy,terror and cruelty that often spring to mind today.This course also reminds us that religious wars are rooted in antiquity and teaches us of things lost and found between the battles.It is truly staggering in its' implications. I loved it!

1 person found this helpful

Great content, delivered well.

Eamonn Gearon is an excellent lecturer; his passion and interest is infectious. The content of the lectures are informative, interesting, and very easy to listen to.

1 person found this helpful

broad sweep of important islamic cultural leaders

organized mainly by individual scholars lives, it would have benefited from a chronological tie in with other events during the period but otherwise a very informative and enjoyable survey of this important period of Islamic history and its intellectual leaders

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful narrator.

Simply, entirely enjoyable, with a wonderful narrator. A narrator I enjoyed so much, I purchased another of his works......so off I go!
Cheers

1 person found this helpful