Prominent Muslim Scientists in the Modern Era
Numerous contemporary Muslim scientists have made significant and remarkable contributions to the world in recent history. Below are some of the most notable figures:
Dr. Ahmed Zewail (1946-2016)
Dr. Ahmed Zewail was an esteemed Egyptian chemist awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for his groundbreaking research known as “femto-science,” which involves measuring exceedingly brief time intervals called femtoseconds. He held American citizenship and served as a distinguished professor of chemistry at the California Institute of Technology.
With over 350 scientific publications across various disciplines, Dr. Zewail is recognized as a leading figure in laser science, ranking ninth among 29 of the most prominent laser scientists in the United States, a list that includes iconic figures such as physicist Albert Einstein and inventor Alexander Graham Bell.
Dr. Munir Hassan Naifeh (1945)
Dr. Munir Naifeh, of Palestinian descent, was born in the village of Shweika in Tulkarem, Palestine. He completed his primary and secondary education in local schools before transferring to Jordan for high school. He later moved to Lebanon to attend the American University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 1970. Dr. Naifeh was awarded a fellowship from Stanford University in the United States, where he received his PhD in atomic physics and laser science.
Dr. Naifeh received the U.S. Industrial Research Prize for addressing a query posed by physicist Richard Feynman regarding humanity’s ability to control atomic movement and rearrange their positions within chemical compounds. Notably, Dr. Naifeh successfully moved individual atoms, contributing to a groundbreaking technique akin to advances made in microtechnology. The Washington Post highlighted his pioneering work in establishing a new branch of chemistry referred to as “Single Atom Chemistry.”
Dr. Mohamed El-Nashai (1943)
Dr. Mohamed El-Nashai was an Egyptian physicist who corrected various misconceptions within Albert Einstein’s renowned general theory of relativity. Although born in Cairo, he completed his undergraduate studies in engineering in Germany before obtaining a PhD from the University of London.
Dr. El-Nashai advanced the field of physics by developing a new theory named the “Golden Section Theory” in quantum physics. This theory proposes novel solutions to quantum mechanics challenges by examining spacetime through conceptual frameworks derived from chaos theory, aiming to create what he termed “Kantorian Spacetime,” which seeks to unify fundamental forces of nature.
Dr. Ahmed Saeed Al-Taybi (1949-2010)
Dr. Ahmed Saeed Al-Taybi was a Palestinian physician born in Syria, where he completed his early education before moving to Kuwait for secondary schooling. He then attended Cairo University to study medicine and later pursued further education and research abroad. Dr. Al-Taybi earned a PhD in genetic medicine from the University of London, discovering 35 genetic syndromes linked with hereditary disease predispositions. Many of these syndromes were named after him. He published over 200 medical research papers and authored a book focusing on genetic diseases among Arabs, leading to the establishment of the “American Middle Eastern Society for Genetic Medicine.”
Dr. Issam Heggy (1945)
Born in Tripoli, Libya, Dr. Issam Heggy completed his primary education there before moving with his family to Tunisia, where he obtained his intermediate certificate. He later returned to Cairo to earn a bachelor’s degree in astronomy from Cairo University. He then traveled to Paris for higher studies, receiving a master’s degree in space science in 1999, followed by a PhD in planetary discovery in 2002.
Currently holding American citizenship, Dr. Heggy works at NASA, focusing on rocket propulsion in the radar imaging division, overseeing various scientific missions aimed at exploring planets within our solar system. He is also in charge of a satellite project dedicated to studying groundwater and the effects of climate change in arid regions.