Art. #11:  HOW DID THE SPREAD OF ISLAM AFFECT THE WORLD?  (Note: This article is so full of disinformation, half truths and lies that its contents are rebutted point by point).

STATEMENT:  Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine; Islam calls for faith in only one God. 
REBUTTAL:  The rapid spread of Islam was only by the sword, and the simplicity of its doctrine was: CONVERT TO ISLAM OR LOSE YOUR HEAD! 

STATEMENT:  It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation. 
REBUTTAL:  From inception, Islam feared knowledge.  Not a single Muslim university offers the range or quality of curricula comparable to the lowliest junior college of the United States, or for that matter, any civilized country.  When Caliph Omar conquered Egypt in 64l A.D., one of his first orders was to burn the Library of Alexandria, which at that time was the largest and most comprehensive repository of knowledge in the world.  As late as 1993, the supreme religious authority of Saudi Arabia, Sheik Abdel-Azian Baaz, stated: "The world is flat; anyone of the round persuasion does not believe in God and should be punished."   

STATEMENT:  Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet, "seeking knowledge is an obligation for every man and woman."
REBUTTAL:  Yes, great civilizations and universities were flourishing.....in those areas not as yet conquered by Islam, especially in India and Persia (Iran).  As for seeking knowledge, any knowledge not derived from the Koran or Hadith could be dangerous for a Muslim's health! 

STATEMENT:  The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. 
REBUTTAL:  Yes, considerable advances were being achieved, principally based on knowledge acquired from conquered societies, principally those of India and Persia. 

STATEMENT:  Many crucial systems such as algebra, Arabic numerals, and also the concept of zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam.  
REBUTTAL:  Entirely true!  Algebra. "Arabic" numerals and the concept of zero, were all three appropriated from the Hindus and then transmitted to Europe. 

STATEMENT:  Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, quadrant, and good navigation maps. 
REBUTTAL:  Most historical scholars credit a Greek astronomer, Hipparchus, with the invention of the astrolabe, some 600 years before Muhammad's  invention of Islam.  The quadrant was invented by Thomas Godfrey in 1730, and the following year John Wadley produced the sextant, a considerable improvement over the quadrant.  Good navigation maps were never the strong suit of the Muslims since their schools, to this day, teach that the world is flat and that the earth revolves around the sun.