A Thousand Years Before Darwin: Untold Stories of Muslim Scholars’ Contributions to Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology

---

What if everything you thought you knew about the origins of scientific discovery was only half the story?

For centuries, the dominant narrative of scientific progress has revolved around Europe’s so-called Enlightenment. But A Thousand Years Before Darwin uncovers a deeper, global truth—one in which Muslim scholars were at the forefront of anatomical and evolutionary thinking a millennium before Vesalius or Darwin ever put pen to paper.

With compelling clarity and accessible scholarship, this revelatory book draws on newly unearthed research to spotlight the advanced anatomical studies and proto-evolutionary ideas of Islamic Golden Age thinkers. Figures like Avicenna, Al-Nafis, and Al-Jahiz not only dissected and diagrammed with astonishing precision—they contemplated the transmutation of species long before the term “evolution” was coined.

“What Aamina’s work uncovered was very exciting… every week, she was finding more evidence that Muslim scholars… had actually defended the idea of some form of transmutation.” —from the Preface

This book is for historians, scientists, educators, and intellectually curious readers who seek a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the history of science. It’s essential reading for those interested in Islamic intellectual heritage, biology, anatomy, and the social forces that shape what—and whose—knowledge gets remembered.

Why it matters now:

This is not merely a revisionist history. It is a timely call to action. A Thousand Years Before Darwin challenges Eurocentric bias and scientific gatekeeping, inviting readers to embrace a more interconnected and equitable story of human inquiry. Through rich narratives and eye-opening analysis, the authors urge modern science to honor the pluralistic roots of its knowledge.

“How can it be said that over this time period Muslim scholars did not discover anything new about the human body... especially when we know that scholars, such as Avicenna… made major contributions to medicine?” —Chapter 1

Key Highlights:

• Unveils pioneering anatomical discoveries by Arabic and Persian scholars before the European Renaissance.

• Reveals how Muslim scholars developed concepts of species change and continuity, laying intellectual groundwork that predates Darwin and Wallace by centuries.

• Exposes enduring cultural biases that have obscured non-Western scientific achievements.

• Draws on primary research featured on journal covers and cited by global institutions.

• Incorporates powerful quotes and reflections from the authors and their academic journey.

About the Authors:

Rui Diogo is a multi award-winning biologist and global thought leader in evolutionary anatomy and the history of science. He has authored 150+ academic papers and 20 books, with works featured in major medical schools and recognized globally.

Aamina Malik and Malak Alghamdi bring unique insider-outsider perspectives as Muslim female scholars trained in both Western and Islamic contexts. Their groundbreaking research challenges academic norms and brings long-forgotten voices to light.

ISBN 978-1-915025-24-1 (Paperback)
978-1-915025-25-8 (Hardback) 
978-1-915025-26-5 (eBook)