The Romans, Greeks, Persians, and Hindus were polytheists. To them the universe was the playground of many gods, all of whom had their own interests. Experimental science was impossible in such cultures. "Don't bother studying some phenomenon. It's merely the whim of some god."
Christianity insisted that there was a rational God who had created a rational universe. Yes, God was the fundamental cause of the universe, but He filled it with secondary causes. Studying the universe made sense because it meant studying the handiwork of God.
Islam denies the existence of secondary causes. Everything happens (or doesn't) at the will of Allah. As one Muslim philosopher wrote, bringing a flame to a piece of paper doesn't cause the paper to burn; Allah wills the paper to burn.
To a Muslim, the idea of "secondary causes" puts a limit on Allah's power. Therefore everything happens as the direct will of Allah. The universe is therefore unpredictable, and even irrational.
It's no wonder science never developed in Muslim countries. When I was teaching in Turkey, I often wondered how my Muslim students could, at the same time, believe that everything happened at the will of Allah, and that rational engineering design made sense. I still don't understand it.
**** “ I still don’t understand it “ ****
In Pakistan they use their cars horn as both a mirror and a turn signal. Riding in a Cab is an experience that can temporarily convert a non-believer.
Nicely written.