Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī facts for kids
Abū al-Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī (born 5 September 973 in Kath, Khwarezm, died 13 December 1048 in Ghazni), often called Al-Biruni in English, was a brilliant Persian scholar from the 11th century. He was a true polymath, meaning he was an expert in many different subjects.
Al-Biruni was one of the most important thinkers of the medieval Islamic world. He was very skilled in physics, mathematics, astronomy, and natural sciences. He also worked a lot as a historian, someone who studies time and events, and a linguist, someone who studies languages.
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Who Was Al-Biruni?
Al-Biruni was born in a region called Khwarezm, which is now part of Central Asia. He lived during a time when many scholars in the Islamic world were making huge discoveries. He started learning at a young age and quickly became known for his sharp mind.
He traveled a lot during his life, visiting different places like India. These travels helped him learn even more about various cultures, languages, and scientific ideas. He was always curious and eager to expand his knowledge.
His Amazing Studies
Al-Biruni wrote over 150 books and articles, covering a wide range of topics. Many of his works are still studied today. He was like a human encyclopedia!
Astronomy and Earth
Al-Biruni was very interested in the sky and the Earth. He accurately measured the Earth's circumference (the distance around it) using a clever method. He also wrote about how the Earth rotates on its axis.
He studied the movements of the sun, moon, and planets. He even explained how lunar eclipses happen. His work helped future astronomers understand the universe better.
Mathematics and Physics
In mathematics, Al-Biruni made important contributions to trigonometry and geometry. He used math to solve problems in astronomy and geography.
He also worked on physics, especially on how things weigh and float. He found ways to measure the density of different materials very precisely. This was a big step forward in the study of matter.
History and Cultures
Al-Biruni was also a great historian. He wrote detailed books about the history of different nations and their customs. His most famous historical work is about India, where he lived for many years.
He learned the Sanskrit language to understand Indian texts and traditions. This showed his respect for other cultures and his dedication to learning directly from original sources.
A Legacy That Lasts
Al-Biruni's work was incredibly important. He believed in using observation and experiments to find answers, which is a key part of modern science. He also emphasized the importance of being fair and unbiased in research.
His ideas and discoveries influenced scholars for centuries after him. He is remembered as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. His name is even on a crater on the Moon!
Images for kids
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Four directions and Political divisions of Iran by Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī
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Lunar crater Al-Biruni, on the far side of the Moon, as seen by Apollo 14
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The statue of Al-Biruni in United Nations Office in Vienna as a part of Persian Scholars Pavilion donated by Iran
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See Also
In Spanish: Al-Biruni para niños
