Author
Abū al-Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī
Publication Date
839 (AH, Hijri)
Subject
1
Type
Book
Language
Arabic
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
Yes
Pages Count
1
Physical Dimensions
225 x 150 mm
Library
Qatar Digital Library
Library Asset ID
Or 8349
Record ID
vdc_100022596633.0x000001
Library Location
British Library: Oriental Manuscripts
Date
839 (AH, Hijri)
Notes
Comprehensive introduction to the principles of astrology by Abū al-Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī (أبو الريحان محمد بن أحمد البيروني, ca 973-1048). The text is written in question and answer format (على طريق المسئلة والجواب, f. 2v, line 8), and it deals with the sciences needed by the astrologer: geometry, arithmetic and number theory, and judicial astrology (see f. 2v, lines 8-9). The author states that he composed the work for Rayḥānah bint al-Ḥasan (Rayhanah bint al-Hasan, f. 2v, lines 7-8).
The text contains numerous diagrams and tables.
The earliest ownership inscription is dated Rajab 839/January-February 1436 (f. 1r, see Custodial History), so it is likely that the copy was completed at or shortly before this date
Begins (f. 2v, lines 3-7):
قال إن الإحاطة بهيئة العالم وكيفية شكل ألسماء والأرض وما بينهما على وجه الأخبار
What is learned by tradition is very useful in the field of astrology because it provides guidance for the listener
He becomes accustomed to the common expressions among its people, and it is easy to imagine them and even their meanings
If he returns to her, recognizing his existence, her reasons and proofs, he brings her an abstract idea to come together
عليها تعب كلي الجانبين ...
End (f. 158v, line 14-159r, line 1):
... وعند البلوغ إلى هذا الموضع من الصناعة التنجيم كفاية ومن بعدها فقد عرّض
نفسه وصناعته لما بلغت إليها لأن من السخرية والاستهذاء فقد جهلها المنتسبون إليها
A blessing to those who are certain of it, and God is the One who seeks help and praise be to the Giver of life
Colophon
Section at the end of a manuscript text.
(f. 159r, lines 2-6):
The book Al-Tafhim was written for the early astrology industry
Classification by Abu Al-Rayhan Muhammad bin Ahmed Al-Biruni
رحمه الله عليه رحمة واسعةً
وصلواته على محمد وآله الطاهرين
Praise be to God first and last
Erişim Koşulları
Unrestricted
Edinme Kaynağı
Purchased from Abdul Majid Belshah, 9 November 1919
Seçilmiş kaynakça
Translation with facsimile edition of MS Or. 8349:
Bīrūnī, Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad,
The book of instruction in the elements of the art of astrology
, R. Ramsay Wright, ed. and trans., (London: Luzac & co., 1934)
Study:
Ullmann, Manfred,
Die Natur- und Geheimwissenschaften im Islam
(Leiden: Brill, 1972), p. 335
