The greatest encyclopedia of medieval Muslim astronomy

The land of Uzbekistan has, since ancient times, been a cradle of talent and scholarship. Among our great ancestors is a scholar who, through measurements at the Nandana Fort in India, determined the Earth’s geographic dimensions and achieved results remarkably close to those of modern science. He was the first to apply the method of linear triangulation to measure distances using three points. His analytical techniques for determining azimuth and his methods for working with a circle whose radius is equal to unity introduced new approaches to science. His work in inventing astronomical instruments and applying them in calculations was of great significance.

A manuscript featured in the media project

This versatile scholar was Abu Rayhan al-Biruni. One of his oldest manuscripts is al-Qanun al-Mas‘udi, preserved at the National Library of France. This manuscript is also included in the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan’s media project “100 Ancient Manuscripts of Uzbekistan”.

Al-Biruni composed al-Qanun al-Mas‘udi after 1030, dedicating it to Sultan Mas’ud of Ghazna. The work details the fundamental principles of mathematical astronomy, the coordinates of celestial bodies, and methods for calculating their motions. In it, al-Biruni compares many of his scientific conclusions with verses from the Qur’an, showing his deep knowledge of the holy text.

The book also contains al-Biruni’s star catalog the Zij which lists the coordinates and magnitudes of 1,029 stars, based on the tables of Ptolemy and the Arab astronomer al-Sufi.

Recognition from a swiss orientalist and historian

Swiss orientalist and historian Adam Mez, in analyzing the scientific and cultural development of the Muslim world from the late 9th to the early 13th century, referred to this period as the “Muslim Renaissance”. During this golden age, scholars like Abu Rayhan al-Biruni worked across nearly all fields of knowledge, leaving a profound mark on human progress. Al-Biruni is recognized as one of the brightest and most incomparable figures of this Renaissance. The American historian of science George Sarton also highly praised his vast scholarly output, calling the 11th century “The Age of al-Biruni” and describing him as “the greatest scholar of his time, and one of the greatest of all time”.

What is written in the Fihrist?

In his work Fihrist, al-Biruni listed 113 of his writings: 70 on astronomy, 20 on mathematics, and 12 on geography and geodesy. In the 13 years following the compilation of the Fihrist, he wrote more than 50 additional works, including important studies on history, pharmacology, and theology.

Fields of greatest activity

Astronomy was one of al-Biruni’s most active fields of study. His al-Qanun al-Mas‘udi is regarded as the greatest encyclopedia of medieval Muslim astronomy. It contains a star catalog of 1,029 stars, astronomical calculations, analyses of apogee motions, and discussions of problems in spherical astronomy. This work was not only a core textbook at observatories such as those of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Mirzo Ulugh Beg but also retained its importance for centuries thereafter. Furthermore, al-Biruni wrote three commentaries on Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi’s astronomical work, reflecting his deep expertise in the field.

A monumental step at the age of 22

At the age of 22, al-Biruni created a globe representing projections of the Sun, Moon, and stars. This achievement was a significant advance not only in astronomy but also in geography and education.

His knowledge of ancient languages and study of numerous sources made him a true polymath. He was not merely a compiler of information but also an analyst and critic, contributing substantially to the progress of science. His contributions especially in chronology, astronomy, mathematics, geodesy, and geography fully justify his recognition as one of the greatest scholars of his era.

Durdona Rasulova

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