The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 22)
Abu Nasr Farabi
Another philosopher and sage who significantly contributed to the growth and development of philosophy among Muslims was Sheikh Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Tarkhan Farabi. He lived during the years 260-339 AH (874-950 CE), when the influence of the Turks on the Abbasid Caliphate was substantial.
Farabi was born in the city of Farab, which is now in Tajikistan. His father served in the army and rose to the rank of commander. Scholars from both the East and the West agree that Farabi was a skilled thinker and have referred to him as the “second master” in the field of philosophy. His philosophical thought was so impactful that the churches in the Middle Ages prohibited his works from entering their institutions, viewing them as a strong barrier against their dogmas, and expelled professors who benefited from his philosophy from their academic centers.
He regarded the science of logic as essential for achieving correct thought and reasoning and recognized its role in the proper understanding of other sciences, such as syntax. He used Greek texts in the field of philosophy, and his writings exceeded 69 works, most of which were translated into European languages during the Crusades.
His knowledge spanned various fields, encompassing both theoretical and practical sciences. He had become a walking encyclopedia who even commented on mineral sciences and rejected astrology and star worship. He considered these practices distinct from legitimate astronomy and the study of celestial bodies.
In addition to his scientific contributions, he was prominent in the field of ethics and moral philosophy. An ascetic and reclusive scholar, he gave generously to charity and encouraged others to do the same in his writings. He devoted his nights to studying and reviewing texts and never married.
When Western scholars gained access to his books, they translated them into their own languages and often claimed authorship. Eventually, the truth emerged, and students and scholars were able to locate the original manuscripts, identifying Farabi as the true originator of those sciences.
From the perspective of some Islamic scholars, Farabi is regarded as the true founder of Islamic philosophical thought and is considered the originator of this branch of knowledge. One of his notable works is “Opinions of the Virtuous People of Medina,” in which he elaborated on the social model of man and sought to examine different aspects of Islam, reflecting on the various dimensions of Arab and Islamic culture.
Ibn Tofail Al-Andalusi
Another eminent Muslim philosopher was Ibn Tofail Al-Andalusi, known fully as Abu Bakr bin Abdul Malik bin Tofail Al-Andalusi. He was born in 500 AH (1106 CE) near the Spanish province of Granada and died in 581 AH (1185 CE) in Morocco, where the king held funeral prayers for him due to his high scientific status.
Ibn Tofail spent most of his life teaching and practicing medicine, also serving as a minister in the government. He had a passion for scientific experimentation and rejected flawed theories about astronomy. He gained great fame among his students for his innovative writings and scientific methodology.
His cultural and intellectual contributions were extensive, making him a favored scholar among the rulers of his time, particularly Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, a member of the Almohad dynasty, who appointed him as his physician and minister.
Regrettably, most of Ibn Tofail’s writings were destroyed due to the wars and conflicts that arose between Muslims and Christians in Andalusia. However, some of his rare works remain and can be found in esteemed libraries in the Western world, especially in the libraries of Paris, London, and Spain. Among his most important surviving writings are:
1. The Story of Ibn Yaqzan – which has been translated into several languages around the world.
2. The Secrets of Eastern Wisdom.
3. Commentary on the Works of Alavi, concerning Aristotle’s writings.
4. A Book on Medicine.
Ibn Tofail’s scientific method was comprehensive, bridging mathematical and natural sciences, and integrated mathematical reasoning with empirical study. His theories significantly influenced philosophical thought, particularly in European philosophy following the European Scientific Revolution. He was deeply committed to practical work and experimentation, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in the philosophy of wisdom.
