Final answer:
The astrolabe exemplifies a key technological innovation demonstrating the relationship between Islamic practice and technological advancement, particularly in navigation and the calculation of the qibla. Islamic scholars also contributed significantly to geography, mathematics and astronomy, affecting scientific study and application across the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between Islamic practice and technological innovation is clearly demonstrated by the astrolabe. Islamic scholars improved upon existing astronomical devices such as the astrolabe for not just navigating the seas, but also for calculating the qibla, the direction Muslims must face when praying. The astrolabe is an ancient astronomical instrument used to observe the positions of stars and planets, which can be employed to determine local time and latitude necessary in celestial navigation. Islamic contributions to this instrument signify a practical example of how religious needs can drive technological advances in history.
In the realm of geography and exploration, Islamic cartographers like the Ottoman admiral Piri Reis used a compilation of different sources, including Portuguese and Arab knowledge, to create detailed maps of the known world. Moreover, mathematics saw the development of Arabic numerals and branches such as algebra and trigonometry, innovations which originated from or were significantly advanced within the Islamic cultural sphere. Lastly, in the field of astronomy, scholars like Taqi al-Din built observatories and improved methods to calculate the coordinates of heavenly bodies, transcending religious and national boundaries and contributing globally to the body of scientific knowledge.