A curated list of influential Muslim scientists, inventors, and thinkers from15th century to 21st century). These figures span diverse fields, from mathematics and medicine to engineering and space science, showing how the legacy of early Islamic science continues to evolve:
🌍 Post-Classical to Modern Muslim Scientists & Innovators (15th–21st Century)
Ulugh Beg (15th c.) → Built the Samarkand Observatory, created precise astronomical tables, and improved trigonometric calculations.
Ali Qushji (15th c.) → Refined astronomical models, challenged Aristotelian physics, and laid groundwork for heliocentric theory.
Taqi al-Din (16th c.) → Ottoman polymath who built a sophisticated observatory in Istanbul, invented mechanical clocks, and wrote on optics and steam power.
Seyyed Mir Mohammad Baqir Damad (17th c.) → Philosopher and jurist who bridged Avicennian thought with emerging rationalist theology in Safavid Iran.
Abdul Qadir al-Jazairi (19th c.) → Algerian scholar and resistance leader who also wrote on astronomy, mathematics, and ethics.
Sultan Muhammad al-Fateh (15th c.) → Patron of science and engineering, commissioned advanced siege weaponry and supported scholars in Constantinople.
Dr. Abdus Salam (20th c.) → Pakistani theoretical physicist, Nobel Laureate (1979), co-developed electroweak theory, and championed science in the Muslim world.
Dr. Ahmed Zewail (20th–21st c.) → Egyptian-American chemist, Nobel Laureate (1999), pioneered femtochemistry — observing chemical reactions in real time.
Dr. Ali Moustafa Mosharafa (20th c.) → Egyptian physicist who contributed to quantum theory and relativity, dubbed “the Einstein of the Arab world.”
Dr. Sami Angawi (20th–21st c.) → Saudi architect and urban planner, integrated Islamic geometry and environmental science in sustainable design.
Dr. Hayat Sindi (21st c.) → Saudi biotechnologist, developed low-cost diagnostic tools for rural healthcare, advocate for women in STEM.
Dr. Nergis Mavalvala (21st c.) → Pakistani-American astrophysicist, key contributor to gravitational wave detection (LIGO), and quantum measurement.
Dr. Mohamed El-Erian (21st c.) → Economist and strategist, influential in global finance and economic modeling, blending Islamic ethics with macroeconomics.
Dr. Omar Yaghi (21st c.) → Jordanian-American chemist, invented metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), revolutionizing clean energy and water harvesting.
Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani (21st c.) → Iranian mathematician, first woman (and Muslim) to win the Fields Medal, for work in geometry and dynamical systems.
Dr. Adnan Morshed (21st c.) → Bangladeshi-American architect and historian, explores intersections of Islamic urbanism, technology, and modernity.
These figures reflect a vibrant continuity of Muslim intellectual and scientific contributions — not just in traditional sciences, but also in emerging fields like quantum physics, biotechnology, and sustainable design.
