Europe’s identity was shaped by ancient Greece and Rome, but it became stronger after Islam rose in the 7th century. Losing contact with many regions, Europe defined itself as Christian, “civilized,” and the true heir to classical knowledge. Even though Muslim scholars preserved and built on Greek ideas, Europeans often dismissed them as outsiders. This belief continued for centuries and still influences negative views about Islam today.

Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad (Tim Winter) on this: