Abu Raihan Biruni (973-1053 CE) was an Iranian scholar whose extraordinary achievements include predicting the existence of landmasses (North and South America) on the opposite side of the Earth and calculating the radius of the Earth five centuries before the European Renaissance. In Brilliant Biruni, Mohammad S. Kamiar presents the life of one of the greatest scholars in the history of the world: the story of a boy who became Biruni. From his boyhood home in the Village of Vasemereed to his final resting place in the city of Ghazna, Afghanistan, Brilliant Biruni: The Story of Abu Rayhan Mohammad Ibn Ahmad documents and describes the life story of this important geographer, prolific author, and groundbreaking scientist who brightened the dark skies of the Middle Ages. Written in accessible language and free of jargon, this biography sheds light on the neglected but influential scholar, giving Biruni the recognition he deserves.

Abu al-Rayhan al-Biruni (973–1048) was a brilliant polymath who wrote on diverse subjects in the natural and human sciences, including calendars, history, geography, astronomy, Indology, mineralogy, and pharmacology. Born in Khwarazm, he lived in various places in Central Asia, Iran, and medieval Afghanistan. His fortunes came to be closely linked with the Ghaznavid dynasty at its apogee, during the reign of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna (d. 1030). He was widely famed for the meticulous, objective and systematic quality of his thought, and remained an admired scientist and scholar of the eastern Islamic world in subsequent centuries. His curiosity ranged across cosmic, earthly, and human timescales and his willingness to be puzzled by reality and interested in others’ perspectives, strikingly in his observations on Indian culture and religion, demonstrate a remarkably open and tolerant mind. In this book, Malagaris places Biruni in his historical and cultural context within the long-term history of Central Asia. He outlines the trajectory of Biruni’s life, clarifying key questions about his associations, travels, and patrons. Following an overview of Biruni’s chief interests, Malagaris details Biruni’s major works to illustrate the breadth of his output and his intellectual approach, especially his attention to language, his esteem for knowledge, and his commitment to objective truth. An account of the institutional context and competition among patrons helps explain some of his friendships and rivalries, notably with Avicenna. Malagaris also shows how varied paths of transmission affected the legacy of Biruni and his reception in global scientific and literary traditions. Finally, a detailed bibliographic essay, timeline, and list of key works will guide readers into further study of Biruni and his thought.

Philosophy flourished in the Islamic world for many centuries, and continues to be a significant feature of cultural life today. Now available in paperback, The Biographical Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy covers all the major and many minor philosophers, theologians, and mystics who contributed to its development. With entries on over 300 thinkers and key concepts in Islamic philosophy, this updated landmark work also includes a timeline, glossary and detailed bibliography. It goes beyond philosophy to reference all kinds of theoretical inquiry which were often linked with philosophy, such as the Islamic sciences, grammar, theology, law, and traditions. Every major school of thought, from classical Peripatetic philosophy to Sufi mysticism, is represented, and entries range across time from the early years of the faith to the modern period. Featuring an international group of authors from South East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and North America, The Biographical Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy provides access to the ideas and people comprising almost 1400 years of Islamic philosophical tradition.

A portrait of the Arab enlightenment and its key figures, Ibn Sina and Biruni. In The Genius of Their Age, S. Frederick Starr brings to vibrant life an age when Muslim scientists and philosophers from Central Asia anticipated the Western renaissance of science by half a millennium.

This book about Biruni is distinguished from other biographical books on Biruni by the factual approach of the author in the study of Biruni’s life, and by his main reliance on Biruni’s own books and treaties. Some stories and aspects of Biruni’s life such as fictional works of Biruni which are covered by this book have not been seen or narrowly been mentioned by previous writers. Also, the book, through connecting historic facts, provides new findings on Biruni’s scientific works and their importance to the transition of knowledge from ancient past up to present day.

Al-Biruni was an Islamic scholar who served on the courts of more than six caliphs. Like many of the great thinkers of the Islamic world’s Golden Age, his quest for truth motivated him to seek knowledge through research and innovation. He did this in the name of Allah. Al-Biruni set himself apart from his peers through his sheer range of expertise and drive for perfection. His considerable progress in astronomy, mathematics, geography, comparative religion, physical sciences, and history earned the respect of his colleagues, influenced countless academic followers, and remains as an inspiration to all who study his work today.

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