Hayy Ibn Yaqzan

Many critics consider Ibn Tufayl's philosophical work "Hayy Ibn Yaqzan" (Alive, Son of Awake) to be the first novel in any language. Ibn Tufayl was a prominent philosopher ofMuslim Spain towards the end of 12th century. "Hayy Ibn Yaqzan"is the story of a man born on a deserted island who finds himself occupied with the wonders of universe. This little novel became very popular among Western intellectuals because of its theme i.e reliance on reason to determine one's vision of life and rebuttal of organized religion.

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http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,918454,00.html

"the manuscript was copied in Alexandria in 1303 by an unknownscribe, probably Jewish, as the script is annotated in Hebrew.Pococke Junior's translation was published in 1671 and there was animmediate stir. The Enlightenment was in full swing and the book, sub-titled "The Self-Taught Philosopher", addressed the notion of atabula rasa, an innocent mind developing through its own powers,which was absorbing John Locke. Locke refers eagerly to a meeting inLondon to discuss "this novelty" and three English translationsfollowed. Spinoza pressed successfully for a Dutch translation,Leibnitz enthused about the book, which went into German twice, andPococke's agent wrote from Paris: "I delivered a copy to the Sorbonnefor which they were very thankful, being much delighted with it."Then came Defoe, for whom the story married marvellously with thememoir of Alexander Selkirk, the real-life Crusoe. From Robinson'searly capture by Moors to the seldom-read sequel "Robinson Crusoe'sVision of the Angelic World", Tufayl's footprints mark the greatclassic."
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Those who want to have first hand experience with this novel can click here:

http://umcc.ais.org/~maftab/ip/pdf/bktxt/hayy.pdf