LONDON, Oct 16: Lessons in the scientific and cultural innovations of Islam over the centuries would give young Muslims a sense of worth and reduce their risk of becoming alienated and falling under the spell of radicals. Jim Knight, the schools minister, claimed while inaugurating an exhibition in parliament about Islamic innovations.

He said that by teaching children from other backgrounds about the debt the world owed to Muslims – from coffee and pinhole cameras to the three-course dinner and advancements in maths — “it could also bring divided communities closer together”.

The exhibition has been developed by an education group dedicated to improving knowledge about Muslim history in Britain.

The Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation has also made packs for secondary school teachers to provide teaching on Islamic inventions in a range of lessons, following a relaxation on the rules governing the National Curriculum last month.

Mr Knight said: “One of the major reasons for the alienation of British Muslims is a lack of clear identity. This can leave them vulnerable to messages from extremists.

“This offers a whole series of remedies and an education for the rest of us. It is very important for the whole country to understand the hugely positive impact that Islamic inventors have had upon the world, and for Muslims to take pride in it.”

Salim Al-Hassani, the honorary chairman of FSTC, added: “At present there is a widespread misconception among many people worldwide that the state of science and technology during the period known as The Dark Ages was that of stagnation.

“Learned intellectuals are challenging this myth and showing how, during the same period, the Muslim civilisation flourished and contributed to thousands of essential inventions that still affect our daily life.

“We believe that open recognition of the contributions of all civilisations to our present civilisation should be reflected in the National Curriculum.”