Final answer:
Muslim scholars were pivotal in saving and sharing ancient Greek philosophical works, bridging the intellectual gap post-Roman Empire and sparking European Renaissance and subsequent scientific advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muslim scholars played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other classical thinkers to Europe. During the decline of the Roman Empire, Muslim centers of learning in Alexandria, Baghdad, and Cordova became safe havens for ancient texts. Key figures such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Rushd (Averroes), and Al-Ghazali not only preserved Greek philosophy but also contributed significant original thoughts. This intellectual tradition spread to Europe, particularly during the Renaissance, leading to significant developments in various fields of knowledge.
Translations of these ancient texts from Greek to Arabic and then into Latin were an important part of the transmission process. The Abbasid Caliphate and the Muslim rule in Al-Andalus were instrumental in this cultural exchange, which included the transfer of not only philosophical works but also advancements in mathematics, science, and technology. The system of Arabic numerals, which included the concept of zero, and algebra are notable examples of Islamic contributions that deeply impacted the development of European science and the eventual onset of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.