The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 23)
Ibn Rushd
Another prominent scholar who played a leading role in the field of Islamic philosophy was Muhammad ibn Qasim ibn Abi al-Walid, known as Ibn Rushd, also referred to as the “Cordoba Hafiz.” His nickname is “Abu al-Walid.” He was born in Cordoba (present-day Córdoba) and became famous in Europe under the name “Averroes.” He lived from 520 AH to 595 AH and achieved great renown among his contemporaries in various sciences, including philosophy, medicine, syntax, jurisprudence, and literature, although he is primarily known in the world for his work in philosophy.
Ibn Rushd was appointed by the Almohad caliphs of the Maghreb to revise the works of the Greek sage Aristotle, clarifying the complexities and ambiguities found in these texts. His grandfather was a well-known scholar and orator in Cordoba, and his father also held a high position in the city. As a result, Ibn Rushd grew up immersed in the fields of jurisprudence of Imam Malik, philosophy, and medicine, which eventually led him to be appointed as a judge in Seville, Spain.
His book on medicine, titled Al-Kulliyat fi al-Tibb, discusses anatomy, blood circulation, and diseases prevalent during his time. Ibn Rushd believed that engaging in dissection and research would strengthen an individual’s faith in Almighty Allah.
His scientific methodology was critical, free from doubt or artificiality. He wrote numerous commentaries on Aristotle’s writings, adopting a different method from other Islamic philosophers; he added essential contributions and divided his explanations into three distinct parts: Al-Sharh Al-Akbar, Al-Sharh Al-Awsat, and Al-Sharh Al-Akhar.
Western scholars have utilized and benefited from his theories and sciences across various fields. In addition to his philosophical expertise, he specialized in dynamics and kinematics. A term known as the “Rushdiyyah” school has arisen among Western thinkers, signifying their interest in his theories.
His ideas sparked significant controversy and scientific inquiry in Western universities and research centers, provoking countless studies. He addressed various complex topics such as understanding the essence and truth of man, the theory of knowledge, the contentious issue of the antiquity of the universe, divine attributes, the nature of good and evil, human existence, and the essence and possibility of existence—topics that continue to be debated in Western society.
Ibn Sina
Abu Ali Hussein Ibn Abdullah Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, was born in one of the villages of Bukhara and died in Hamadan. He lived from 371 AH to 428 AH and was a contemporary of Abu Rayhan Biruni and Ibn Haytham. His father was a lover of science and culture, inviting scholars to teach his son the recitation of the Holy Quran, literature, syntax, and philosophy. This early education enabled him to familiarize himself with the works of Greek thinkers and write commentaries on them.
Debates existed between Ibn Sina and Biruni, primarily over political issues, as Biruni was aligned with Sultan Mahmoud Ghaznavi, while Ibn Sina had close ties to the Samanid emirs ruling in Sistan and Kerman. He distinguished himself from other philosophers by specializing in many sciences, including philosophy, physics, geometry, mathematics, medicine, chemistry, pharmacology, botany, geology, animal sciences, and Arabic language sciences such as morphology, syntax, rhetoric, and poetry.
By a young age, Ibn Sina was recognized by various titles, such as “Sheikh al-Raees,” “the third teacher,” “Galinus al-Arab,” and “Amir al-Ateba,” indicating his high standing in the academic community. He was renowned for his remarkable memory and quick comprehension, producing countless scientific works. Despite his brilliance, he faced many challenges from court scholars, including imprisonment on two occasions, and his valuable books were stolen. Due to his esteemed scientific reputation, many modern nations claim Ibn Sina as their own.
He authored numerous significant works, with the most famous being Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb, Al-Shifa, Al-Najat, and Risalat Hayy ibn Yaqzan.
Ibn Bajja
Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Yahya ibn Sa’igh, known as Ibn Bajja, was born in Saragossa (present-day Zaragoza, Spain), and while his precise date of birth is not known, he spent part of his life in Granada. He died in Fez, Morocco, in 533 AH. Ibn Bajja mastered the philosophy of Aristotle and studied the texts of Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Ghazali, incorporating their ideas into his work. He excelled in numerous sciences but particularly distinguished himself in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and pharmacology. Among Western scholars, he is known as “Avempace,” and his works have been translated into various languages.
Ibn Bajja was also proficient in psychology, considering it an integral part of medicine. He was a notable figure among all Islamic scholars and non-Islamic researchers, having achieved mastery in multiple fields. Unfortunately, little of his work remains today, which is a loss for contemporary Islamic scholarship.
In a treatise titled Al-Widah, he posited that the primary motivation for humans is imagination and the dictates of their conscience. He further stated that the fundamental purpose of human existence is to draw closer to the essence of Almighty Allah.
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