Worship as Catalyst: How Islamic Ibadah Shaped the Foundations of Modern Science

Abstract

This article sightsees the profound relationship between Islamic worship (ibādah) and the emergence of scientific inquiry in the Muslim world, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age. It argues that foundational elements of modern science—astronomy, mathematics, geography, and medicine—were not developed in isolation but were significantly driven by the desire of Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations with excellence. As Islam expanded rapidly beyond the Arabian Peninsula—from Andalusia to Central Asia—the sacred duties of worship such as prayer (ṣalāh), fasting (ṣawm), and pilgrimage (ḥajj) faced practical challenges due to geographical diversity. By examining historical examples such as the need to determine prayer times, locating the qiblah, distribute inheritance fairly, and ensure health during pilgrimage, this article demonstrates that the pursuit of ibādah played a central role in shaping the scientific legacy of Islamic civilization and today’s modern science.