One of the prominent Muslim scholars is a mathematician, geographer, and astronomer Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (pp. 780–850). There is not much information about his life, in particular, it is assumed that he came from a clan of Zoroastrian priests and was considered a magician. The term “algebra” was formed using the name of his book The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing, where he secured the importance of the science of equations. The word “algorithm,” which until the beginning of a new time meant calculation in a decimal positional system, comes from the Latinized version of the name of the scientist. Algebra created by al-Khwarizmi was a unifying theory, which considered rational and irrational numbers, as well as geometric quantities as “algebraic objects.” Mathematics received a new direction of development, expanding the old concept (Al-Daffa’, p. 16). Another significant aspect of the creation of algebraic concepts was the applicability of mathematics to itself, which was not previously possible.
Another outstanding mathematician and astronomer were a Syrian, Muhammad ibn Jabir ibn Sinan, better known as al-Battani (pp. 858–929). He lived in the community of the Sabian sect, which worshiped a star named Harran. This led the scientist to the idea of a deeper study of astrology and astronomy. In addition to this, he laid the foundations for trigonometry, developed trigonometric functions, and made new, more accurate calculations of the angle of inclination of the ecliptic to the equator (Jenkins, p. 86). Among the discoveries of Muslim scientists, it is also important to mention the introduction of the number “zero,” differential, and decimal fractions.
The discoveries of these scientists made a breakthrough in the science of the past. Thanks to this, medieval scholars developed counting systems, methods for extracting square roots, spherical trigonometry, and other areas of mathematics. These achievements of scientists are applied to this day as well: they are studied in schools and used in other Muslims and Mathematics
One of the prominent Muslim scholars is a mathematician, geographer, and astronomer Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (pp. 780–850). There is not much information about his life, in particular, it is assumed that he came from a clan of Zoroastrian priests and was considered a magician. The term “algebra” was formed using the name of his book The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing, where he secured the importance of the science of equations. The word “algorithm,” which until the beginning of a new time meant calculation in a decimal positional system, comes from the Latinized version of the name of the scientist. Algebra created by al-Khwarizmi was a unifying theory, which considered rational and irrational numbers, as well as geometric quantities as “algebraic objects.” Mathematics received a new direction of development, expanding the old concept (Al-Daffa’, p. 16). Another significant aspect of the creation of algebraic concepts was the applicability of mathematics to itself, which was not previously possible.
Another outstanding mathematician and astronomer were a Syrian, Muhammad ibn Jabir ibn Sinan, better known as al-Battani (pp. 858–929). He lived in the community of the Sabian sect, which worshiped a star named Harran. This led the scientist to the idea of a deeper study of astrology and astronomy. In addition to this, he laid the foundations for trigonometry, developed trigonometric functions, and made new, more accurate calculations of the angle of inclination of the ecliptic to the equator (Jenkins, p. 86). Among the discoveries of Muslim scientists, it is also important to mention the introduction of the number “zero,” differential, and decimal fractions.
The discoveries of these scientists made a breakthrough in the science of the past. Thanks to this, medieval scholars developed counting systems, methods for extracting square roots, spherical trigonometry, and other areas of mathematics. These achievements of scientists are applied to this day as well: they are studied in schools and used in other sciences, for example, in physics or astronomy. Usually, students and schoolchildren do not think about the tools that they use in studies and everyday life. However, even numbers are applicable everywhere: in stores, in business, and in determining the time. The fact that this globally used system was created by Muslim scholars is crucial for the whole world. Without it, people could not have reached the current level of technological development.
The mathematics of the Islamic world of that time was closely connected with other sciences, primarily astronomy and geography. Mathematicians were developing mathematical methods for solving problems related to practical activities and religious issues. It means that their faith directly affected the scientific areas of their interest. In particular, the task of determining the Qibla (the exact direction to Mecca) required the determination of geographical coordinates. Previously, “different authorities proposed different means for finding the Qibla in each region” (Iqbal, p. 215). This problem was solved using various trigonometric and geometric methods, while preference was given to the simplest and most affordable. Based on these methods, scientists compiled tables for multiple geographical locations, where the Qibla acted as a trigonometric function of the latitude and longitude of the observation site. These tables, as a rule, made up particular sections of Muslim astronomical tables. Often, they were combined with geographical tables, which indicated the Qibla for each geographic location. This allowed Muslim scholars to make many breakthroughs in mathematics.
Thus, the discoveries of Muslim scholars allow people around the world to perform various tasks. Mubashar states that “mathematics is used today throughout the world in many fields, including science, engineering, medicine and economics” (p. 33). First of all, the introduction of numbers gives people enormous opportunities, although modern people use them daily without realizing it. The development of algebra and geometry by Muslim scientists makes it possible to apply them in various fields of physics. Thanks to this, people have the opportunity to create engines, build rockets, assemble computers, and make many other useful objects. Technology continues to evolve, but the base that modern scientists keep using remains unchanged. The achievements of Muslim scholars are also used in geography to study the world more accurately. They allow, for example, to determine in detail the location of various geographical objects, as well as to predict the appearance of new ones: mountains or islands. In addition, the method of calculating the direction to Mecca is still used in the Muslim religion, which is one of the key details of their tradition. Some achievements of Muslim mathematicians are also used in economy, allowing business people to make complicated calculations. Moreover, they can be applied even in medicine in the process of creation of new technologies and drugs.
The results of the study suggest that the contribution of Muslims to mathematics is invaluable. Previously, I knew about some achievements, for instance, the fact that “the part of our legacy from the Muslim world is our arithmetic” (Berggren, p. 30). However, other scientific develpments became a discovery for me, which made me respect Muslim scientists more. The religious motivation of Muslim scholars is also of undeniable interest. Even though scientists were interested in the development of new technologies and areas of knowledge, they were also largely influenced by religion. In some situations, reliance on a religious worldview may hinder the development of science, but in the case of Islam, the situation was the opposite. It was religious necessity that prompted people to create new ways of interacting with the world within the framework of religion. It means that many areas of human activity are closely interconnected, thus, none of them should be ignored. Therefore, every person who uses any scientific achievements in life must remember their origin. This will allow us to appreciate the work of other people and respect foreign cultures.
Works Cited
- Al-Daffa’, Ali Abdullah. The Muslim Contribution to Mathematics. Taylor & Francis Group, 2017.
- Berggren, Jenny Len. Episodes in the Mathematics of Medieval Islam. Springer, 2017.
- Jenkins, Everett Jr. The Muslim Diaspora (Volume 1, 570-1500): A Comprehensive Chronology of the Spread of Islam in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. McFarland, 2015.
- Iqbal, Muzaffar. Studies in the Making of Islamic Science: Knowledge in Motion: Volume 4. Routledge, 2017.
- Mubashar, Yahya. What Muslims Did. New Generation Publishing, 2016.