... were greater, or equal to that of the Qur'an in shaping the scientific culture. The practical information already familiar to the Arabs and Berbers, wandering tribes and traders, simply allowed them to survive in the harsh landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa...and concerned information on plants, animals and geology for example. Important also was the ability to locate waterways, caravan trails and oases. The stars they used to navigate the desert, to tell the time and to travel by. But "the emergence of Islam, the vigour of the Muslim conquest and the enthusiasm for exploring the intellectual riches of the conquered communities"1, propelled Muslims beyond the accustomed standard of "practical knowledge", they wanted more. But why? Was there any one particular over-riding influence which fuelled the Muslims to seek out further, and more advanced sources of knowledge? Well, it may be that we can find this "source" in the ...

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