Why were the Muslim countries more advanced than Christian Europe during the Middle ages?

During the Middle Ages, Muslim-majority regions, particularly those under the rule of Islamic empires such as the Abbasid Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, and later the Ottoman Empire, experienced periods of remarkable cultural, scientific, and economic advancement. There are several factors that contributed to the relative advancement of Muslim countries compared to Christian Europe during this time:

Geographical Advantages: Many of the regions under Muslim rule during the Middle Ages were located at the crossroads of major trade routes, facilitating cultural exchange, commerce, and intellectual innovation. Cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, and Constantinople (Istanbul) were vibrant centers of trade, scholarship, and cultural diversity.

Islamic Golden Age: The period from the 8th to the 14th centuries is often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, during which Muslim scholars made significant contributions to various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and literature. The translation of classical Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic, combined with the preservation and expansion of knowledge in Islamic learning centers such as Baghdad's House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah), played a crucial role in fostering intellectual growth and scientific inquiry.

Religious Tolerance: Muslim empires generally practiced religious tolerance and provided a relatively favorable environment for Jews, Christians, and other religious minorities. This diversity and openness to different cultural and religious traditions contributed to a rich and dynamic intellectual and artistic landscape.

Technological Innovations: Muslim scholars and engineers made significant advances in various fields, including agriculture, architecture, irrigation, and military technology. Innovations such as the development of algebra, the use of paper for writing, the construction of sophisticated water systems (such as aqueducts and canals), and the invention of early mechanical devices contributed to economic prosperity and societal development.

Stable Governance and Trade Networks: Islamic empires established stable political structures and efficient trade networks, which facilitated economic growth, urban development, and cultural exchange. The establishment of Islamic law (Sharia) and the promotion of trade and commerce through the concept of waqf (endowments) helped create an environment conducive to prosperity and social cohesion.

It's important to note that the comparison between Muslim-majority regions and Christian Europe during the Middle Ages is complex, and both regions experienced periods of advancement and decline. Additionally, attributing progress solely to religious or cultural factors oversimplifies the historical context. Nevertheless, the contributions of Muslim scholars, scientists, and thinkers during the Middle Ages played a significant role in shaping the course of human civilization and laying the foundation for later developments in Europe and beyond.