A GENIUS RAISED IN THE PALACE OF MAHMUD OF GHAZNI: AL-BIRUNI

As the calendars recorded the 10th century, a child was born near the city of Kath, within the presentday borders of Uzbekistan. Little did anyone know that this child, through his unparalleled works, would propel Islamic civilization to its prime in the 11th century. By demonstrating an insatiable thirst for knowledge in a wide range of subjects this child, al-Biruni, had already captured the attention of those around him at a very young age. From a young age, al-Biruni came under the patronage of the Khwarazmian dynasty and received a royal court education. The renowned mathematician Abu Nasr Ibn Iraq, whom he revered as his mentor, was the main figure who had a significant influence on him in his bringing up.

A Muslim genius

Al-Biruni is a perfect example of an Islamic scholar in every aspect. He had a versatile field of study in accordance with his time. We can describe him as a philosopher, traveler, historian, geographer, linguist, mathematician, astronomer, poet, and physicist.

In contrast to the present era, during the 10th and 11th centuries, it was common for accomplished scholars to engage in research and produce works across multiple fields of study. He conducted research in all these fields of study and produced important works. In this regard, al-Biruni would become a revered Muslim scholar, even for Leonardo da Vinci, centuries later in Europe.

In the palace of Mahmud of Ghazni

The pivotal event that shaped al-Biruni’s life was his recognition by the Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazni. The great ruler requests that he be informed of the prominent poets and philosophers in Khwarazm. Upon hearing their names, the ruler summons renowned scholars like al-Biruni and Ibn Sina to his court. In response to the request of the Ghaznavid sultan, the Khwarazmian ruler instructed the scholars to depart for the Ghaznavid court. Accordingly, al-Biruni settled in the court of Mahmud of Ghazni, the conqueror of India, and with this accompanied him on his expeditions to India.