Science and Civilization between Islam and Christianity

Occasion for presenting this book:

11 Sha‘ban: Birth of Ali Akbar (AS) and Youth Day (33 AH)

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Muhammad Abduh

Translator: Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour

Publisher: ‎ Gingko

Length: 320 Pages

Language: English

ISBN: 978-1914983245

Publication Date: June 3, 2025

About the Book:

Science and Civilisation between Islam and Christianity is a profound comparative study that explores the historical and theological relationship between the two largest world religions and the development of modern knowledge. Originally written as a response to the critiques of secularists and European thinkers of his time, the book challenges the then-prevalent notion that Islam was a barrier to progress. Abduh meticulously argues that while certain periods of Christian history were marked by a conflict between the Church and scientific discovery, the Islamic tradition – rooted in the Quranic command to observe and reason – has always possessed an inherent receptivity to empirical science and civilisational growth.

Beyond a mere historical defence, the work serves as a foundational text for Islamic Modernism. It seeks to bridge the gap between traditional religious scholarship and the demands of the modern world, arguing that the “true” Islam is one that embraces the intellect as a divine gift. By examining the principles of both faiths, Abduh provides a roadmap for how religious identity can flourish alongside scientific advancement, making this book a crucial read for anyone interested in interfaith dialogue, the history of science, or the evolution of contemporary Islamic thought.

About the Author:

Muhammad Abduh (1849–1905) is widely regarded as the architect of Islamic Modernism and one of the most influential figures in modern Egyptian history. As the Grand Mufti of Egypt and a leading reformer at the prestigious Al-Azhar University, he dedicated his life to revitalising Islamic institutions through the lens of reason and social reform. Abduh was a firm believer in Ijtihad (independent reasoning) and famously argued that there could be no true conflict between revelation and science, as both originated from the same Divine source. His legacy transformed Islamic education and jurisprudence, encouraging a generation of Muslims to engage confidently with the modern world without losing their spiritual foundations.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Dubray Books
• Eason
• AbeBooks
• Ebay
• Blackwell’s
• Amazon