Book & Author
Drs W. Hazmy C.H., Zainurashid Z. & Hussaini R.: Muslim Scholars and Scientists
By Dr Ahmed S. Khan
Muslim Scholars and Scientists — by Dr Wan Hazmy bin Che Hon, Dr Zainurashid Zainuddin, and Dr Mohamad Hussaini, published by Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia N. Sembilan — presents biographies of twenty eight Muslim scientists, scholars and poets — the pioneers — from the past (700-1400) whose early work in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, opened new avenues of inquiry for Newton, Copernicus, and others to follow and eventually led to European Renaissance. The pdf version of the book is available on the Internet.
Commenting on the objective of the book, the editors, in the introduction note: “ This book is an attempt to instill the feeling of 'izzah' (greatness) of the achievement of our past scholars and scientists, neither to be left alone as mere past history nor to be boasted off, but more importantly, to act as a catalyst to motivate us and the future generation to lead the revival of scholastic attitude and scientific advancement in this modern age.”
The editors further observe: “ Islam had patronized and fostered the Greek scientific heritage in the field of medicine, astronomy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and philosophy. Islam continued to add new scientific achievements which bear witness that Muslims were deeply and seriously interested in scientific research. It was on the cream of the Islamic scientific achievement of Andalusia that the European Renaissance and its modern scientific inventions were based, and we purposely use the term 'Biografie' (Spanish word) instead of 'Biography' to signify this important contribution.”
The book starts with a timeline of Muslim Scientists (700-1400): 701 (died) - Khalid Ibn Yazeed [Alchemy], 721 - Jabir Ibn Haiyan [Geber, Alchemist], 740 - Al-Asmai [Zoology, Botany, Animal Husbandry], 780 - Al-Khwarizmi [Algorizm, Mathematics, Astronomy], 787 - Al Balkhi, (Ja'Far Ibn Muhammas Albumasar) Astronomy, Fortune-telling, 796 (died) - Al-Fazari,Ibrahim Ibn Habeeb (Astronomy, Translation) 838 - Ali Ibn Rabban Al-Tabari (Medicine, Mathematics), 852 - Al Battani Abu Abdillah (Albategni) Mathematics, Astronomy, Engineering, 857 - Ibn Masawaih You'hanna, Medicine, 858 - Al-Battani (Albategnius) (Astronomy, mathematics), 860 - Al-Farghani (Al-Fraganus) (Astronomy,Civil Engineering), 884 - Al-Razi (Rhazes) (Medicine,Ophthalmology, Chemistry), 870 - Al-Farabi (Al-Pharabius) (Sociology, Logic, Science, Music), 900 (died) - Abu Hamed Al-ustrulabi Astronomy, 903 - Al-Sufi (Azophi) Astronomy, 908 - Thabit Ibn Qurrah, Medicine, Engineering, 912 (died) - Al-Tamimi Muhammad Ibn Amyal (Attmimi) Alchemy, 923 (died) - Al-Nirizi, AlFadl Ibn Ahmed (wronge Altibrizi), Mathematics, Astronomy, 800 - Ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi (Alkindus), (Philosophy, Physics, Optics), 808 - Hunain Ibn Is'haq, Medicine, Translator, 815 - Al-Dinawari, Abu-Hanifa Ahmed Ibn Dawood, Mathematics, Linguistics, 836 - Thabit Ibn Qurrah (Thebit) (Astronomy, Mechanics), 930 - Ibn Miskawayh, Ahmed Abuali, Medicine, Alchemy, 932 - Ahmed Al-Tabari Medicine, 936 - Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahravi (Albucasis), Surgery, Medicine, 940 - Muhammad Al-Buzjani, Mathematics, Astronomy, Geometry, 950 - Al Majrett'ti Abu-alQasim, Astronomy, Alchemy, Mathematics, 960 (died) - Ibn Wahshiyh, Abu Baker, Alchemy, Botany, 965 - Ibn Al-Haitham (Alhazen) Physics, Optics, Mathematics, 973 - Abu Raihan Al-Biruni, Astronomy, Mathematics, 976 - Ibn Abil Ashath, Medicine, 980 - Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Medicine, Philosophy, Mathematics, 983 - Ikhwan A-Safa (Assafa) Group of Muslim Scientists, 1019 - Al-Hasib Alkarji, Mathematics, 1029 - Al-Zarqali (Arzachel) Astronomy (Invented Astrolabe) 1044 - Omar Al-Khayyam Mathematics, Poetry, 1060 (died) - Ali Ibn Ridwan Abu'Hassan Ali Medicine, 1077 - Ibn Abi-Sadia Abul Qasim Medicine, 1090 - Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) Surgery, Medicine, 1095 - Ibn Bajah, Mohammed Ibn Yahya, 1097 - Ibn Al-Baitar Diauddin (Bitar) Botany, Medicine, Pharmacology, 1099 - Al-Idrisi (Dreses) Geography, World Map (First Globe), 1091 - Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) Surgery, Medicine, 1095 - Ibn Bajah, Mohammad Ibn Yahya (Avenpace) Philosophy, Medicine, 1099 - Al-Idrisi (Dreses), Geography -World Map, First Globe, 1100 - Ibn Tufayl Al-Qaysi, Philosophy, Medicine, 1120 (died) - Al-Tuhra-ee, Al-Husain Ibn Ali Alchemy, Poem, 1128 - Ibn Rushd (Averroe's), Philosophy, Medicine, 1135 - Ibn Maymun, Musa (Maimonides) Medicine, Philosophy, 1140 - Al-Badee Al-Ustralabi, Astronomy, Mathematics, 1155 (died) - Abdel-al Rahman AlKhazin Astronomy, 1162 - Al Baghdadi, Abdellateef Muwaffaq, Medicine, Geography 1165 - Ibn A-Rumiyyah Abul'Abbas (Annabati) Botany, 1173 - Rasheed AlDeen Al-Suri, Botany, 1184 - Al-Tifashi, Shihabud-Deen (Attifashi), Metallurgy, Stones, 1201 - Nasir Al-Din Al-Tusi, Astronomy, Non-Euclidean Geometry, 1203 - Ibn Abi-Usaibi'ah, Muwaffaq Al-Din, Medicine, 1204 (died) - Al-Bitruji (Alpetragius), Astronomy, 1213 - Ibn Al-Nafis Damishqui, 1236 - Kutb Aldeen Al-Shirazi, Astronomy, Geography, 1248 (died) - Ibn Al-Baitar, Pharmacy, Botany, 1258 - Ibn Al-Banna (Al Murrakishi), Azdi, Medicine, Mathematics, 1262 (died) - Al-Hassan Al-Murarakishi, Mathematics, Astronomy, Geography 1273 - Al-Fida (Abdulfeda), Astronomy, Geography, 1306 - Ibn Al-Shater Al Dimashqi, Astronomy, Mathematics, 1320 (died) - Al Farisi Kamalud-deen Abul-Hassan Astronomy, Physics, 1341 (died) - Al-Jildaki, Muhammad Ibn Aidamer, Alchemy, 1351 - Ibn Al-Majdi, Abu Abbas Ibn Tanbugha, Mathematics, Astronomy, and 1359 - Ibn Al-Magdi,Shihab-Udden Ibn Tanbugha, Mathematic, Astronomy.
Describing the biography of Jabir Ibn Haiyan (died 803 CE), the editors observe: “Jabir Ibn Haiyan, the alchemist Geber of the Middle Ages, is generally known as the father of chemistry. Abu Musa Jabir Ibn Hayyan, sometimes called al-Harrani and al-Sufi, was the son of the druggist (Attar). Jabir's major contribution was in the field of chemistry. He introduced experimental investigation into alchemy, which rapidly changed its character into modern chemistry… His contribution of fundamental importance to chemistry includes perfection of scientific techniques such as crystallization, distillation, calcination, sublimation, and evaporation and the development of several instruments for the same… Perhaps Jabir's major practical achievement was the discovery of mineral and other acids, which he prepared for the first time in his alembic (Anbique)… A large number of books are included in his corpus. Apart from chemistry, he also contributed to other sciences such as medicine and astronomy. His books on chemistry, including his Kitab-al-Kimya, and Kitab al-Sab'een were translated into Latin and various European languages…. In the words of Max Mayerhaff, the development of chemistry in Europe can be traced directly to Jabir Ibn Haiyan.”
Highlighting the life of Mohammad Bin Musa (died 840 CE), the editors state: “Abu Abdullah Mohammad Ibn Musa al-Khawarizmi was born at Khawarizm (Kheva), south of Aral Sea…The terms Algebra and Algorithm are familiar to all of us but how many have heard of their founder Mohammed Al-Khawarizmi. In Geography he revised and corrected Ptolemy's view and produced the first map of the known world in 830 CE. He worked on measuring the volume and circumference of the earth, and contributed to work related to clocks, sundials, and astrolabes…[He] emphasized that he wrote his algebra book to serve the practical needs of the people concerning matters of inheritance, legacies, partition, lawsuits, and commerce. He considered his work as worship to God.”
Recounting the life and achievements of Yaqub Ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi (800-873 CE), the editors observe: “Abu Yousuf Yaqub Ibn Ishaq al-Kindi was born at Kufa around 800 CE … He was a prolific writer, the total number of books written by him was 241, the prominent among which were divided as follows: Astronomy 16, Arithmetic 11, Geometry 32, Medicine 22, Physics 12, Philosophy 22, Logic 9, Psychology 5, and Music 7…Al-Kindi's influence on the development of science and philosophy was significant in the revival of sciences in that period. In the Middle Ages, Cardano considered him as one of the twelve greatest minds. His works, in fact, lead to the further development of various subjects for centuries, notably physics, mathematics, medicine, and music.”
Reflecting on the achievements of Al-Farghani (C. 860 CE), the editors state: “Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Kathir al-Farghani, born in Ferghana, Transoxiana, was one of the most distinguished astronomers in the service of al-Mamun and his successors. He wrote ‘Elements of Astronomy’ (Kitab fi al-Harakat al-Samawiya wa Jawami Ilm al-Nujum, i.e., the book on celestial motion and thorough science of the stars), which was translated into Latin in the 12th century and exerted great influence upon European astronomy before Regiomontanus. He accepted Ptolemy's theory and value of the precession but thought that it affected not only the stars but also the planets. He determined the diameter of the earth to be 6,500 miles and found the greatest distances and also the diameters of the planets….Al-Farghani's activities extended to engineering.”
Commenting on the work of Mohammad Ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (864-930 CE), the editors note: “Abu Bakr Mohammad Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (864-930 CE) was born at Ray, Iran…In medicine, his contribution was so significant that it can only be compared to that of Ibn Sina. Some of his works in medicine, e.g., Kitabal- Mansoori, Al-Hawi, Kitab al-Mulooki, and Kitab al-Judari wa al-Hasabah earned everlasting fame. Kitab al-Mansoori, which was translated into Latin in the 15th century CE, comprised ten volumes and dealt exhaustively with Greco-Arab medicine… He was a prolific author, who has left monumental treatises on numerous subjects. He has more than 200 outstanding scientific contributions to his credit, out of which about half deal with medicine and 21 concern alchemy. He also wrote on physics, mathematics, astronomy, and optics, but these writings could not be preserved. A number of his books, including Jami-fi-al-Tib, Mansoori, al-Hawi, Kitab al-Jadari wa al-Hasabah, al-Malooki, Maqalah fi al- Hasat fi Kuli wa al-Mathana, Kitab al-Qalb, Kitab al-Mafasil, Kitab-al- 'Ilaj al-Ghoraba, Bar al-Sa'ah, and al-Taqseem wa al-Takhsir, have been published in various European languages.”
Describing the biographical profile of Abu Al-Nasr Al-Farabi (870-950 CE), the editors observe: “Abu Nasr Mohammad Ibn al-Farakh al-Farabi was born in a small village Wasij, near Farab in Turkistan in 259 AH. (870 CE). His parents were originally of Persian descent, but his ancestors had migrated to Turkistan. Known as al-Phrarabius in Europe, Farabi was the son of a general. Farabi contributed considerably to science, philosophy, logic, sociology, medicine, mathematics, and music. His major contributions seem to be in philosophy, logic, and sociology and, of course, (he) stands out as an Encyclopedist. As a philosopher, he may be classed as a Neoplatonist who tried to synthesize Platonism and Aristotelianism with theology and he wrote rich commentaries on Aristotle's physics, meteorology, logic, etc., in addition to a large number of books on several other subjects embodying his original contribution, that he came to be known as the 'Second Teacher' (al-Mou'allim al-Thani), Aristotle being the First. One of the important contributions of Farabi was to make the study of logic more easy by dividing it into two categories, viz., Takhayyul (idea) and Thubut (proof).”
Highlighting the work of Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi (936-1013 CE), the editors state: “Abul Qasim Khalaf ibn al-Abbas al-Zahrawi (known in the West as Abulcasis - father of surgery) was born in 936 CE in Zahra in the neighborhood of Cordova. He became one of the most renowned surgeons of the Muslim era and was a physician to King Al-Hakam-II of Spain. After a long medical career, rich with significant original contributions, he died in 1013 CE. Almost a thousand years ago at a time when Spain (Andulesia) was part of the Islamic empire, there lived near the capital city of Cordoba one of the great, but now largely forgotten, pioneers of surgery. He was known as El Zahrawi, though in European languages his name is written in over a dozen different ways: Abulcasis, Albucasis, Bulcasis, Bulcasim, Bulcari, Alzahawi, Ezzahrawi, Zahravius, Alcarani, Alsarani, Aicaravi, Alcaravius, Alsahrawi, etc.”
Reflecting on the achievements of Abu Hasan ibn Al-Haitham (965-1040 CE), the editors note: “Abu Ali Hasan Ibn al-Haitham was one of the most eminent physicists, whose contributions to optics and the scientific methods are outstanding. Known in the West as Alhazen, Ibn al-Haitham was born in 965 CE in Basrah, and was educated in Basrah and Baghdad. Thereafter, he went to Egypt, where he was asked to find ways of controlling the flood of the Nile. Being unsuccessful in this, he feigned madness until the death of Caliph al-Hakim. He also traveled to Spain and, during this period, he had ample time for his scientific pursuits, which included optics, mathematics, physics, medicine, and the development of scientific methods on each of which he has left several outstanding books.”
Describing the work of Abu Raihan Al-Biruni (973-1048 C.E.), the editors observe: “Abu Raihan Mohammad Ibn Ahmad al-Biruni was one of the well-known figures associated with the court of King Mahmood Ghaznawi, who was one of the famous Muslim kings of the 11th century CE. Al-Biruni was a versatile scholar and scientist who had equal facility in physics, metaphysics, mathematics, geography, and history. Born in the city of Kheva near "Ural" in 973 CE, he was a contemporary of the well-known physician Ibn Sina. He has been considered one of the very greatest scientists of Islam, and, all considered, one of the greatest of all times. His critical spirit, love of truth, and scientific approach were combined with a sense of toleration. His enthusiasm for knowledge may be judged from his claim that the phrase Allah is Omniscient does not justify ignorance.”
Reflecting on the achievements of Abu Ali al-Hussain Ibn Sina (980-1037 CE), the editors state: “Abu Ali al-Hussain Ibn Abdallah Ibn Sina was born in 980 CE at Afshana near Bukhara. The young Abu Ali received his early education in Bukhara, and by the age of ten had become well-versed in the study of the Qur'an and various sciences. He started studying philosophy by reading various Greek, Muslim, and other books on this subject and learnt logic and some other subjects from Abu Abdallah Natili, a famous philosopher of the time. While still young, he attained such a degree of expertise in medicine that his renown spread far and wide. At the age of 17, he was fortunate in curing Nooh Ibn Mansoor, the King of Bukhara, of an illness in which all the well-known physicians had given up hope. On his recovery, the King wished to reward him, but the young physician only desired permission to use his uniquely stocked library. On his father's death, Bu Ali left Bukhara and travelled to Jurjan where Khawarizm Shah welcomed him. There, he met his famous contemporary Abu Raihan al-Biruni. Later he moved to Ray and then to Hamadan, where he wrote his famous book Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb. Here he treated Shams al-Daulah, the King of Hamadan, for severe colic. From Hamadan, he moved to Isphahan, where he completed many of his monumental writings. Nevertheless, he continued travelling and the excessive mental exertion as well as political turmoil spoiled his health. Finally, he returned to Hamadan where he died in 1037 CE.”
Commenting on the work of Omar Al-Khayyam (1044-1123 CE), the editors observe: “Ghiyath al-Din Abul Fateh Omar Ibn Ibrahim al-Khayyam was born at Nishapur, the provincial capital of Khurasan around 1044 CE (c. 1038 to 1048). Persian mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, physician and poet, he is commonly known as Omar Khayyam. Khayyam means the tentmaker, and although generally considered as Persian, it has also been suggested that he could have belonged to the Khayyami tribe of Arab origin who might have settled in Persia. Of all the verses, the best known is the following: The Moving Finger writes, and, having writ/Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit/Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line/Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”
Describing the profile of Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali (1058-1128 CE), the editors note: “Abu Hamid Ibn Muhammad Ibn Muhammad al-Tusi al-Shafi'i al-Ghazali was born in 1058 CE in Khorasan, Iran. His father died while he was still very young, but he had the opportunity of getting education in the prevalent curriculum at Nishapur and Baghdad. Soon he acquired a high standard of scholarship in religion and philosophy and was honored by his appointment as a Professor at the Nizamiyah University of Baghdad, which was recognized as one of the most reputed institutions of learning in the golden era of Muslim history. Al-Ghazali remains one of the most celebrated scholars in the history of Islamic thought. His exceptional life and works continue to be indispensable in the study of jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, and mysticism. The tens of books that he left behind were the result of an inquisitive mind that began the quest for knowledge at a very early stage.”
Highlighting the work of Ibn Rushd (1128-1198 CE), the editors observe: “Abu'l Waleed Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Rushd, known as Averroes in the West, was born in 1128 CE in Cordova, where his father and grandfather had both been judges. His grandfather was well-versed in Fiqh (Maliki School) and was also the Imam of the Jamia Mosque of Cordova. The young Ibn Rushd received his education in Cordova and lived a quiet life, devoting most of his time to learned pursuits. He studied philosophy and law from Abu J'afar Haroon and from Ibn Baja; he also studied medicine. Ibn Rushd's writings spread over 20,000 pages, the most famous of which deal with philosophy, medicine, and jurisprudence. On medicine alone, he wrote 20 books. Regarding jurisprudence, his book Bidayat al-Mujtahid wa-Nihayat- al-Muqtasid has been held by Ibn Jafar Thahabi as possibly the best book on the Maliki School of Fiqh. Ibn Rushd's writings were translated into various languages, including Latin, English, German and Hebrew.”
Presenting the profile of Nasir Al-Din Al-Tusi (1201-1274 CE), the editors state: “Abu Jafar Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan Nasir al-Din al-Tusi was born in Tus (Khurasan) in 1201 CE. He learnt sciences and philosophy from Kamal al-Din Ibn Yunus and others. He was one of those who were kidnapped by Hasan Bin Sabah's agents and sent to Almut, Hasan's stronghold. In 1256 when Almut was conquered by the Mongols, Nasir al-Din joined Halagu's service. Halagu Khan was deeply impressed by his knowledge, including his astrological competency; and appointed him as one of his ministers, and, later on, as administrator of Auqaf. He was instrumental in the establishment and progress of the observatory at Maragha. In his last year of life, he went to Baghdad and died there.”
Highlighting the work of Jalal Al-Din Rumi (1207-1273 CE), the editors note: “Jalal al-Din Mohammad Ibn Mohammad Ibn Mohammad Ibn Husain al-Rumi was born in 604 AH (1207/8 CE) at Balkh (now Afghanistan). His father Baha al-Din was a renowned religious scholar. Under his patronage, Rumi received his early education from Syed Burhan-al-Din. When his age was about 18 years, the family (after several migrations), finally settled at Konya and at the age of 25, Rumi was sent to Aleppo for advanced education and later to Damascus. Rumi continued with his education till he was 40 years old, although on his father's death Rumi succeeded him as a professor in the famous Madrasah at Konya at the age of about 24 years. He received his mystical training first at the hands of Syed Burhan al-Din and later he was trained by Shams al-Din Tabriz. His major contribution lies in Islamic philosophy and Tasawwuf. This was embodied largely in poetry, especially through his famous Mathnawi. This book, the largest mystical exposition in verse, discusses and offers solutions to many complicated problems in metaphysics, religion, ethics, mysticism, etc. Fundamentally, the Mathnawi highlights the various hidden aspects of Sufism and their relationship with the worldly life.”
Summarizing the profile of Ibn Khaldun (1332-1395 CE), the editors state: “Abd al-Rahman Ibn Mohammad is generally known as Ibn Khaldun after a remote ancestor. His parents, originally Yemenite Arabs, had settled in Spain, but after the fall of Seville, had migrated to Tunisia. He was born in Tunisia in 1332 CE, where he received his early education and where, still in his teens, he entered the service of the Egyptian ruler Sultan Barquq. Ibn Khaldun's chief contribution lies in the philosophy of history and sociology. He sought to write a world history preambled by a first volume aimed at an analysis of historical events. This volume, commonly known as Muqaddimah or 'Prolegomena', was based on Ibn Khaldun's unique approach and original contribution and became a masterpiece in the literature on philosophy of history and sociology.
Muslim Scholars and Scientists by Drs W. Hazmy C.H., Zainurashid Z. & Hussaini R., presents profiles of personalities from the Past — Who's Who — of prominent names from the golden era of Muslim scientists and scholars whose work provided the foundation for the European Renaissance. The book — a must-read for all quizzical minds and students of history, science, and technology— can be used as a reference for courses on the history of science and technology, and Science, Technology, and Society (STS).
(Dr Ahmed S. Khan - dr.a.s.khan@ieee.org - is a Fulbright Specialist Scholar)
