During the golden age of islamic civilisation the islamic world led in practically every area of knowledge and culture. In it people from every race and every creed, from Spain to China, travelled, traded and built up sciences, all living under the protection of Islamic law. Public libraries, observatories and universities were born in Islamic Civilisation all emerging from the mosque as the centre of learning.
The Contrast with the situation today is dramatic and begs for explanation. This has been the subject of much debate and propaganda which has unfortunately left a legacy of distortions and misunderstandings.
In particular, the rise and achievements of Islamic Civilisation are often separated from their Islamic inspiration while its decline is blamed in various ways on the religion.