SAUDI RAIL to QATAR RAiL

The period of Muslim rule in Spain, particularly during the **Andalusian Golden Age** (8th to 15th centuries), was a time of remarkable intellectual, scientific, and cultural flourishing. Muslim Spain (Al-Andalus) became a bridge between the Islamic world and Europe, preserving and advancing knowledge in fields such as science, medicine, philosophy, and literature. This era played a crucial role in bringing Europe out of the "Dark Ages" and into the Renaissance. Below are some of the key Muslim scientists, thinkers, and writers from this period, as well as other influential figures from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region who contributed to this intellectual revolution. --- ### **Muslim Scientists and Thinkers in Al-Andalus (Spain)** 1. **Abbas ibn Firnas (810–887)** - A polymath, inventor, and poet, Abbas ibn Firnas is often considered one of the earliest pioneers of human flight. He designed a glider and attempted to fly in the 9th century. He also made contributions to astronomy and engineering. 2. **Al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis) (936–1013)** - Known as the "Father of Surgery," Al-Zahrawi wrote the *Kitab al-Tasrif*, a 30-volume medical encyclopedia that became a standard text in Europe for centuries. His work introduced surgical instruments and techniques that were revolutionary for their time. 3. **Ibn Rushd (Averroes) (1126–1198)** - A philosopher, jurist, and physician, Ibn Rushd is best known for his commentaries on Aristotle, which were translated into Latin and influenced European scholastic thought. He advocated for the harmony of reason and religion. 4. **Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) (1091–1161)** - A prominent physician and surgeon, Ibn Zuhr made significant contributions to medical science, particularly in the fields of anatomy and pharmacology. His works were widely studied in medieval Europe. 5. **Al-Idrisi (1100–1165)** - A geographer and cartographer, Al-Idrisi created one of the most detailed world maps of his time, the