Books on Agricultural Technology by Muslim Scientists of the Arab Agricultural Revolution

Islam strongly advocates for scientific knowledge. The creation and documentation of knowledge have long been established traditions within the faith. Furthermore, Islam values ​​professionalism, as reflected in the popular saying: "Entrust a matter to those qualified to handle it." Indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "If a matter is entrusted to those unqualified for it, then await its ruin" (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

Consider, for instance, the story regarding the pollination of date palms. A Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim recounts: "...Initially, the Messenger forbade the practice, but the results were poor. When the matter was referred back to him, the Messenger said, 'You know better regarding your worldly affairs.'"

Indeed, Islam leaves the development of agricultural science and technology to humanity, as these fall under the realm of worldly affairs. Matters concerning agricultural science and technology are entrusted to experts—scientists, researchers, and competent individuals in the field. Naturally, these experts and researchers carry out their work for the sake of, and under the guidance of, Allah SWT.

Allah says: "Fas’alu ahladz-dzikri in kuntum la ta’lamuna," which translates to: "Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know." Thus, the Qur’an directs us to consult experts regarding specific knowledge; when we wish to produce organic fertilizer or utilize tissue culture technology, the Qur’an instructs us to seek the counsel of those with expertise.

According to one source, the Qur’an and the Sunnah do not explicitly detail cultivation methods or agricultural technologies. Instead, they offer implicit guidance: "ask the experts." It was in this spirit that the task of pollinating date palms was entrusted to the Ansar, who possessed greater expertise in the matter.

Muslim researchers and developers were accustomed to documenting their findings in books on agriculture. One wonders—could there have even been scientific journals back then? The emergence of Islamic lands as advanced agricultural regions owes much to the contributions of Muslim agricultural experts. They authored books on agriculture that served as essential references for farmers in their cultivation practices.

Riyad al-Din al-Ghazzi al-Amiri, an agricultural expert from Damascus (Syria), wrote a highly detailed book on agriculture. It covered a wide range of topics, including types of farmland, soil selection, fertilizers, seedling preparation, plant grafting, planting techniques, and irrigation systems. Beyond soil management, he also wrote about the cultivation of cereals, legumes, root crops, vegetables, flowers, and other plants.

Meanwhile, Abu’l Khair, an agricultural expert from Andalusia, authored *Kitab Al-Filaha*, a comprehensive treatise on agriculture. In this work, he described four methods for harvesting rainwater for agricultural use and outlined techniques for constructing irrigation systems. He specifically explained how rainwater could be utilized to aid the reproductive process of olive trees. Abu’l Khair also detailed the process of sugar production.

Al-Tignari, an agronomist from Andalusia, compiled a reference guide on crops capable of yielding significant agricultural profits; these included sugarcane and cotton.

Scholars also developed the fundamental principles of agricultural science (*‘ilm al-filaha*). One significant agricultural text to emerge during the Islamic Golden Age was *Kitab Al-Filaha Al-Nabatiyya* (The Nabataean Agriculture) by Ibn Wahshiyya. This book was written by the Muslim agricultural engineer in Iraq in 904 CE. Ibn Wahshiyya was motivated to write this agricultural manual by his deep love for farming; he was particularly dedicated to preserving the agricultural traditions of the Nabataeans in Mesopotamia. In her book *Islamic Gardens and Landscapes*, D. Fairchild Ruggles explains that the *Kitab al-Filaha al-Nabatiyya* contains agricultural guidelines. It provides a detailed and clear account of farming methods, irrigation techniques, plants, fertilization, cultivation, and other agricultural matters.

Moreover, this book served as a guide for the Muslim community on effective farming practices. It was translated into Arabic by Abu Bakar Ahmad and was also translated and published by Fuat Sezgin, a scholar from a German university. Other prominent works on agricultural science were published by Muslim scholars in Spain during the 11th and 12th centuries CE; these included works by Ibn al-Hassal and Ibn al-Awwam. Some of these texts were translated into Spanish and Latin, and the insights of these Muslim scholars inspired agricultural experts in the West.

Western agricultural development was guided by the writings of these Muslim scholars. During the 11th century CE, Muslim agronomists in Spain conducted research and experiments in botanical gardens in Seville and Toledo. These experimental gardens were the first of their kind, a model later emulated in the 16th century by cities in Northern Italy.

"One important aspect of this revolution was the introduction and dissemination of various new types of crops to the Islamic world" (from *Islamic Technology: An Illustrated History* by Ahmad Y. Al-Hassan and Donald R. Hill). From that time on, the Islamic world became acquainted with crops such as rice, sorghum, durum wheat, sugarcane, cotton, watermelons, and eggplants, as well as a wide variety of other plants and flowers.

Ibn al-Awwam was an expert in biology, specifically in the field of agriculture; his renowned work is Al-Falah. Meanwhile, Al-Jahiz was an expert in biology, particularly in zoology, and is best known for his work Al-Hayawan. As-Sinai was a biological expert specializing in plants and trees; his notable work is Kitab al-Nabat wa al-Shajar. *****