Barry Smith, president of the Texas Dallas Mormon Mission, lauded the contributions of Muslims to Western civilization before an enthralled audience at the 2d Annual Ummah Awards. President Smith declared that it was “through Muhammad that truths were brought to earth for all of mankind.” This declaration became a rallying cry that took on the cadence of a mantra prayer as he said over and over again that “a great light and truth came through the Prophet Muhammad.”
Among the contributions which Islam has made to Western civilization is the translation of over 107 Greek texts into Arabic which would otherwise have been lost, including the writings of Plato. In addition were the Greek writings on astronomy and medicine which were translated and expounded upon. The Muslims established many universities which laid the foundation for the Renaissance and eventually the Enlightenment.
