Are Muslims a barbaric, backward people?

Question

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
worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his
powers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years, great
civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the
Prophet (pbuh), 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim
man and woman'.

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.
Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also
the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics),
were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated
instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of
discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and
good navigational maps.

http://www.jannah.org/articles/misc.html

Answer 1

No, you are not a barbaric nor a backward people as a whole. Yet sometimes in the West we hear some very disturbing news coming from Islam dominated countries regarding the treatment of people. Mind you, the Judeo-Christian West has also its problems.
And yes, the Muslim world made some very important contributions to mankind, although there's evidence that the Greaco-Hellenistic culture was also a major contributor, having been studied later by famous Arabian scholars, when the products of this important culture were "forgotten" in the European world.
Whatever the case, people should acknowledge at least some of the contributions you mentioned.

That was the past, now the present. I find the phrase 'Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman' hopeful and inviting. With this in mind Islam and its followers should come now to terms with a modern, globalizing world, as the West did (and is still doing).

Answer 2

I wonder how many of the advances cited had anything to do with Islam.

While I haven't checked, I'd guess that the concept of zero was developed prior to Muhammed's revelations.

It's difficult to ignore history. As with Christianity and other philosophies, some of the spread of Islam came about as the result of wars and invasions and the death of many people.

No philosophy or religion has a monopoly on good or evil.

There can be no doubt that to some Muslims the ultimate goal of having the whole world live under Sharia (spelling?) must be achieved by persuasion if possible, by conquest and death and murder if necessary.

But the those kinds of ideas are not the sole province of Islam.

You should hear my wife's solution to the problems of the Middle East and 'radical Islam."

Talk about mayhem!

Answer 3

Many of the ideas of Judaism, and Christianity are embodied in Islam. The teachings of Islam are about peace and justice, but sometimes people don't always follow what they preach.

Answer 4

Bah

Answer 5

Are you asking a question or offering us a monologue?

Answer 6

You're gonna get some really angry people answering here, and my answer is no! I absolutely disagree.

Answer 7

That's true but you could have made your point faster :-)