The astronomical activities that took place from the 8th to the 14th century in the
Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and Moorish Spain.
The term Islamic should refer to a civilization rather than a religion,
because much of the astronomy was
secular. In fact more than 90% of “Islamic” astronomy deals with
the Greek astronomy → Ptolemaic system,
which has obviously nothing to do with religion.
Moreover, many non-Muslims within that civilization
contributed to this science and must be acknowledged. Apart from these considerations,
the term “Islamic astronomy” creates a conceptual disparity. In
comparison, the works of European astronomers, such as Copernicus, Galileo, Newton,
and others are not placed under “Christian astronomy,” and they are indeed not
called “Christian scientists.”
See also → Arabic astronomy,
→ Islamic calendar.
See also: From Islam, literally “submission” (to God);
→ astronomy.
