“It is very important for the whole country to understand the hugely positive impact that Islamic inventors have had upon the world, and for Muslims to take pride in it.” Because, you know, that’s the one thing Muslims need more of: Pride.
“Teach children what Muslims did for us, says minister Jim Knight,” by Martin Beckford for the Telegraph, October 17:
Children should be taught about the contribution Muslims have made to civilisation in order to combat the threats of extremism and discrimination, according to a Government minister.
Jim Knight, the schools minister, claimed lessons in the scientific and cultural innovations of Islam over the centuries would give young Muslims a sense of worth and reduce their risk of becoming alienated and falling under the spell of radicals.
He said it could also bring divided communities closer together, by teaching children from other backgrounds about the debt we all owe to Muslims — from coffee and pinhole cameras to the three-course dinner and advancements in maths.[…]
“This offers a whole series of remedies and an education for the rest of us. It is very important for the whole country to understand the hugely positive impact that Islamic inventors have had upon the world, and for Muslims to take pride in it.”
Salim Al-Hassani, the honorary chairman of FSTC, added: “At present there is a widespread mis-conception among many people worldwide that the state of science and technology during the period known as The Dark Ages was that of stagnation and decline.
“Learned intellectuals are challenging this myth and showing how, during the same period, the Muslim civilisation flourished and contributed to thousands of essential inventions that still affect our daily life.
“We believe that open recognition of the contributions of all civilisations to our present civilisation should be reflected in the National Curriculum.”