The WORST episodes of Science and Islam

Every episode of Science and Islam ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Science and Islam!

Jim Al-Khalili travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th centuries

Last Updated: 12/6/2024Network: BBC FourStatus: Ended
star
6.56
9 votes

#1 - The Language of Science

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/5/2009

Physicist Jim Al-Khalili travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th centuries. Its legacy is tangible, with terms like algebra, algorithm and alkali being Arabic in origin and at the very heart of modern science. For Baghdad-born Al-Khalili this is also a personal journey and he uncovers a diverse, outward-looking culture, fascinated by learning and obsessed with science.

Directors: Tim Usborne
Watch Now:Amazon
The Empire of Reason
star
6.67
6 votes

#2 - The Empire of Reason

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/12/2009

Physicist Jim Al-Khalili travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th centuries. He travels to Syria to discover how, a thousand years ago, the astronomer and mathematician Al-Biruni estimated the size of the earth to within a few hundred miles of the correct figure. In Cairo, he tells the story of the physicist Ibn al-Haytham, who helped establish the science of optics.

Directors: Tim Usborne
Watch Now:Amazon
The Power of Doubt
star
7.00
6 votes

#3 - The Power of Doubt

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/19/2009

Physicist Jim Al-Khalili concludes his investigation into the relationship between science and Islam. He shows how the scientific revolution that took place in 16th and 17th century Europe had its roots in the world of medieval Islam. He travels across Iran, Syria and Egypt to discover the astronomical advances made by Islamic scholars through their obsession with accurate measurement. He then visits Italy to see how those ideas permeated into the West and helped shape the works of Copernicus.

Directors: Tim Usborne
Watch Now:Amazon