# Al-Biruni

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Al-Biruni
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Al-Biruni.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Biruni
> Source revision: 1356867207
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Persian scholar and polymath (973–1050)

For other uses, see [Al-Biruni (disambiguation)](/source/Al-Biruni_(disambiguation)).

Not to be confused with [Al-Burini](/source/Al-Burini).

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (October 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article contains weasel words: vague phrasing that often accompanies biased or unverifiable information. Such statements should be clarified or removed. (October 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Abu Rayhan al-Biruni ابوریحان محمد بن احمد البیرونی An imaginary rendition of Al Biruni on a 1973 Soviet postage stamp Personal life Born 973 Kath, Khwarezm (modern-day Uzbekistan) Died c. 1050 (aged 77) Ghazni, Ghaznavid Empire (modern-day Afghanistan) Era Islamic Golden Age Region Khwarezm, Central Asia Buyid dynasty (Rey)[1] Ghaznavid dynasty (Ghazni)[2] Main interest(s) Geology, physics, anthropology, comparative sociology, astronomy, chemistry, history, geography, mathematics, medicine, psychology, philosophy, theology Notable work(s) The Remaining Signs of Past Centuries, Gems, Indica, The Mas'udi Canon, Understanding Astrology Religious life Religion Islam Muslim leader Influenced by Abū Ḥanīfa Dīnawarī, Al-Sijzi, Abu Nasr Mansur, Al-Battani Influenced Al-Sijzi, Omar Khayyam, Al-Khazini, Zakariya al-Qazwini

**Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni**, known as **al-Biruni**[a] (c. 973 – c. 1050)[3] was a [Khwarazmian](/source/Khwarazm) [Iranic](/source/Iranian_peoples)[4] [scholar](/source/Scholar) and [polymath](/source/Polymath) during the [Islamic Golden Age](/source/Islamic_Golden_Age). He has been called variously "Father of [Comparative Religion](/source/Comparative_religion)", "Father of modern [geodesy](/source/Geodesy)", Founder of [Indology](/source/Indology) and the first [anthropologist](/source/Anthropologist).[5]

Al-Biruni was well versed in [physics](/source/Physics), [mathematics](/source/Mathematics), [astronomy](/source/Astronomy), and [natural sciences](/source/Natural_science); he also distinguished himself as a historian, [chronologist](/source/Chronologist), and [linguist](/source/Linguist). He studied almost all the sciences of his day and was rewarded abundantly for his tireless research in many fields of knowledge.[6] Royalty and other powerful elements in society funded al-Biruni's research and sought him out with specific projects in mind. Influential in his own right, al-Biruni was himself influenced by the scholars of other nations, such as the Greeks, from whom he took inspiration when he turned to the study of philosophy. A gifted linguist, he was conversant in [Khwarezmian](/source/Khwarezmian_language), [Persian](/source/Persian_language), Arabic, and [Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit), and also knew [Greek](/source/Ancient_Greek), [Hebrew](/source/Biblical_Hebrew), and [Syriac](/source/Syriac_language). He spent much of his life in [Ghazni](/source/Ghazni), then capital of the [Ghaznavids](/source/Ghaznavids), in modern-day central-eastern Afghanistan. In 1017, he travelled to the [Indian subcontinent](/source/Indian_subcontinent) and wrote a treatise on Indian culture entitled *Tārīkh al-Hind* ("*The History of India*"), after exploring the [Hindu](/source/Hindus) faith practiced in India.[b] He was, for his time, an admirably impartial writer on the customs and creeds of various nations, his scholarly objectivity earning him the title *al-Ustadh* ("The Master") in recognition of his remarkable description of early 11th-century India.

## Name

Al-Biruni's name is derived from the [Persian](/source/Persian_language) word *bērūn* or *bīrūn* ("outskirts"), as he was born in an outlying district of [Kath](/source/Beruniy), the capital of the [Afrighid](/source/Afrighids) kingdom of [Khwarazm](/source/Khwarazm).[3] The city, now called Beruniy, is part of the [autonomous republic](/source/Autonomous_republic) of [Karakalpakstan](/source/Karakalpakstan) in northwest [Uzbekistan](/source/Uzbekistan).[8]

His name was most commonly [latinized](/source/Latinisation_of_names) as *Alberonius*.[9]

## Life

Al-Biruni spent the first twenty-five years of his life in Khwarezm where he studied [Islamic jurisprudence](/source/Fiqh), theology, grammar, mathematics, [astronomy](/source/Astronomy), medicine and philosophy and dabbled not only in the field of physics, but also in those of most of the other sciences.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The [Iranian](/source/Iranian_peoples) [Khwarezmian language](/source/Khwarezmian_language), which was Biruni's mother tongue,[10][11] survived for several centuries after [Islam](/source/Islam) until the [Turkification](/source/Turkification) of the region – at least some of the culture of ancient [Khwarezm](/source/Khwarezm) endured – for it is hard to imagine that the commanding figure of Biruni, a repository of so much knowledge, should have appeared in a cultural vacuum. He was sympathetic to the [Afrighids](/source/Afrighids), who were overthrown by the rival dynasty of [Ma'munids](/source/Ma'munids) in 995. He left his homeland for [Bukhara](/source/Bukhara), then under the [Samanid](/source/Samanid) ruler [Mansur II](/source/Mansur_II) the son of [Nuh II](/source/Nuh_II). He corresponded with [Avicenna](/source/Avicenna),[12] and there are extant exchanges of views between these two scholars.

In 998, he went to the court of the [Ziyarid](/source/Ziyarid) amir of [Tabaristan](/source/Tabaristan), [Qabus](/source/Qabus) (r. 977–981, 997–1012). There he wrote his first important work, *al-Athar al-Baqqiya 'an al-Qorun al-Khaliyya* ("The remaining traces of past centuries", translated as "Chronology of ancient nations" or "Vestiges of the Past") on historical and scientific chronology, probably around 1000, though he later made some amendments to the book. He also visited the court of the [Bavandid](/source/Bavandid) ruler [Al-Marzuban](/source/Al-Marzuban). Accepting the definite demise of the Afrighids at the hands of the Ma'munids, he made peace with the latter who then ruled [Khwarezm](/source/Khwarezm). Their court at Gorganj (also in Khwarezm) was gaining fame for its gathering of brilliant scientists.

In 1017, [Mahmud of Ghazni](/source/Mahmud_of_Ghazni) captured Rey. Most scholars, including al-Biruni, were taken to Ghazni, the capital of the Ghaznavid dynasty.[1] Biruni was made court astrologer[13] and accompanied Mahmud on his invasions into India, living there for a few years. He was 44 when he went on the journeys with Mahmud of Ghazni.[14] Biruni became acquainted with all things related to India. During this time he wrote his study of India, finishing it around 1030.[15] Along with his writing, Al-Biruni also made sure to extend his study to sciences while on the expeditions. He sought to find a method to measure the height of the sun, and created a makeshift [quadrant](/source/Quadrant_(instrument)) for that purpose.[14] Al-Biruni was able to make much progress in his study over the frequent travels that he went on throughout the lands of India.[16]

## Astronomy

An illustration from al-Biruni's astronomical works, explains the different [phases of the Moon](/source/Phases_of_the_Moon), with respect to the position of the [Sun](/source/Sun)

Of the 146 books written by al-Bīrūnī, 95 are devoted to astronomy, mathematics, and related subjects like mathematical geography.[17] He lived during the Islamic Golden Age, when the Abbasid Caliphs promoted astronomical research,[14] because such research possessed not only a scientific but also a religious dimension: in Islam worship and prayer require a knowledge of the precise directions of sacred locations, which can be determined accurately only through the use of astronomical data.[14]

In carrying out his research, al-Biruni used a variety of different techniques dependent upon the particular field of study involved.

His major work on astrology is primarily an astronomical and mathematical text; he states: "I have begun with Geometry and proceeded to Arithmetic and the Science of Numbers, then to the structure of the Universe and finally to Judicial Astrology [*[sic](/source/Sic)*], for no one who is worthy of the style and title of Astrologer [*[sic](/source/Sic)*] who is not thoroughly conversant with these for sciences."[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In these earlier chapters he lays the foundations for the final chapter, on [astrological prognostication](/source/Astrology), which he criticises. In a later work, he wrote a refutation of astrology, in contradistinction to the legitimate science of astronomy, for which he expresses wholehearted support. Some suggest that his reasons for refuting astrology relate to the methods used by [astrologers](/source/Islam_and_astrology) being based upon [pseudoscience](/source/Pseudoscience) rather than [empiricism](/source/Empiricism) and also to a conflict between the views of the astrologers and those of the orthodox [theologians](/source/Schools_of_Islamic_theology) of [Sunni Islam](/source/Sunni_Islam).[18][19]

He wrote an extensive commentary on [Indian astronomy](/source/Indian_astronomy) in the *Taḥqīq mā li-l-Hind* — mostly translation of Aryabhatta's work, in which he claims to have resolved the matter of Earth's rotation in a work on astronomy that is no longer extant, his *Miftah-ilm-alhai'a* ("*Key to Astronomy*"):[20]

[T]he rotation of the earth does in no way impair the value of astronomy, as all appearances of an astronomic character can quite as well be explained according to this theory as to the other. There are, however, other reasons which make it impossible. This question is most difficult to solve. The most prominent of both modern and ancient astronomers have deeply studied the question of the moving of the earth, and tried to refute it. We, too, have composed a book on the subject called *Miftah-ilm-alhai'a (Key to Astronomy)*, in which we think we have surpassed our predecessors, if not in the words, at all events in the matter.

In his major astronomical work, the *Mas'ud Canon*, Biruni observed that, contrary to [Ptolemy](/source/Ptolemy), the Sun's [apogee](/source/Apogee) (highest point in the heavens) was mobile, not fixed.[21] He wrote a treatise on the [astrolabe](/source/Astrolabe), describing how to use it to tell the time and as a quadrant for surveying. One particular diagram of an eight-geared device could be considered an ancestor of later Muslim astrolabes and clocks.[14] More recently, Biruni's eclipse data was used by Dunthorne in 1749 to help determine the [acceleration of the Moon](/source/Richard_Dunthorne#Acceleration_of_the_Moon), and his data on equinox times and eclipses was used as part of a study of Earth's past rotation.[22]

## Refutation of Eternal Universe

Further information: [Eternity of the world](/source/Eternity_of_the_world)

Like later adherents of the [Ash'ari](/source/Ash'ari) school, such as [al-Ghazali](/source/Al-Ghazali), al-Biruni is famous for vehemently defending[23][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*] the majority [Sunni](/source/Sunni) position that the universe had a beginning, being a strong supporter of [creatio ex nihilo](/source/Creatio_ex_nihilo#Creatio_ex_nihilo:_the_creation_of_matter), specifically refuting the philosopher [Ibn Sina](/source/Avicenna) in a multiple letter correspondence.[24][25] Al-Biruni stated:[26][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

"Other people, besides, hold this foolish persuasion, that time has no terminus quo at all."

He further stated that [Aristotle](/source/Aristotle), whose arguments Avicenna uses, contradicted himself when he stated that the universe and matter has a start whilst holding on to the idea that matter is pre-eternal. In his letters to Avicenna, he stated the argument of Aristotle, that there is a change in the creator. He further argued that stating there is a change in the creator would mean there is a change in the effect (meaning the universe has change) and that the universe coming into being after not being is such a change (and so arguing there is no change – no beginning – means Aristotle believes the creator is negated).[24] Al-Biruni was proud of the fact that he followed the textual evidence of the religion without being influenced by Greek philosophers such as Aristotle.[24]

## Physics

Al-Biruni contributed to the introduction of the [scientific method](/source/Scientific_method) to medieval [mechanics](/source/Mechanics).[27][28] He developed experimental methods to determine density, using a particular type of [hydrostatic balance](/source/Hydrostatic_balance).[14] Al-Biruni's method of using the hydrostatic balance was precise, and he was able to measure the density of many different substances, including precious metals, gems, and even air. He also used an experimental method to determine the radius of the earth, which he did by measuring the angle of elevation of the horizon from the top of a mountain and comparing it to the angle of elevation of the horizon from a nearby plain.

In addition to developing the hydrostatic balance, Al-Biruni also wrote extensively on the topic of density, including the different types of densities and how they are measured. His work on the subject was very influential.

## Geography and geodesy

See also: [History of geodesy § Islamic world](/source/History_of_geodesy#Islamic_world)

Four directions and political divisions of Iran by Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī

Bīrūnī devised a novel method of determining the Earth's radius by means of the observation of the height of a mountain. He carried it out at [Nandana](/source/Nandana) in [Pind Dadan Khan](/source/Pind_Dadan_Khan) (present-day Pakistan).[29] He used trigonometry to calculate the radius of the Earth using measurements of the height of a hill and measurement of the dip in the horizon from the top of that hill. Sparavigna writes that his calculated radius for the Earth of 3928.77 miles was 2% higher than the actual [mean radius](/source/Mean_radius) of 3847.80 miles.[14] His estimate was given as 12,803,337 [cubits](/source/Cubits), so the accuracy of his estimate compared to the modern value depends on what conversion is used for cubits. The exact length of a cubit is not clear; with an 18-inch cubit his estimate would be 3,600 miles, whereas with a 22-inch cubit his estimate would be 4,200 miles.[30] One significant problem with this approach is that Al-Biruni was not aware of [atmospheric refraction](/source/Atmospheric_refraction) and made no allowance for it. He used a dip angle of 34 arc minutes in his calculations, but refraction can typically alter the measured dip angle by about 1/6, making his calculation only accurate to within about 20% of the true value.[31]

Diagram illustrating a method proposed and used by Al-Biruni to estimate the radius and circumference of the Earth

In his *Codex Masudicus* (1037), Al-Biruni theorized the existence of a landmass along the vast ocean between Asia and Europe, or what is today known as the Americas. He argued for its existence on the basis of his accurate estimations of the [Earth's circumference](/source/Earth's_circumference) and [Afro-Eurasia](/source/Afro-Eurasia)'s size, which he found spanned only two-fifths of the Earth's circumference, reasoning that the geological processes that gave rise to [Eurasia](/source/Eurasia) must surely have given rise to lands in the vast ocean between Asia and Europe. He also theorized that at least some of the unknown landmass would lie within the known latitudes which humans could inhabit, and therefore would be inhabited.[32][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

## Pharmacology and mineralogy

Biruni wrote a [pharmacopoeia](/source/Pharmacopoeia), the *Kitab al-saydala fi al-tibb* ("*Book on the Pharmacopoeia of Medicine*"). It lists synonyms for drug names in Syriac, Persian, Greek, Baluchi, Afghan, Kurdish, and some Indian languages.[33][34]

He used a [hydrostatic balance](/source/Hydrostatic_balance) to determine the density and purity of metals and precious stones. He classified gems by what he considered their primary physical properties, such as [specific gravity](/source/Relative_density) and [hardness](/source/Scratch_hardness), rather than the common practice of the time of classifying them by colour.[35]

## History and chronology

Biruni's main essay on political history, *Kitāb al-musāmara fī aḵbār Ḵᵛārazm* ("*Book of nightly conversation concerning the affairs of Ḵᵛārazm*") is now known only from quotations in Bayhaqī's Tārīkh-e Masʿūdī. In addition to this various discussions of historical events and methodology are found in connection with the lists of kings in his al-Āthār al-bāqiya and in the Qānūn as well as elsewhere in the Āthār, in India, and scattered throughout his other works.[36] Al-Biruni's *[Chronology of Ancient Nations](/source/The_Remaining_Signs_of_Past_Centuries)* attempted to accurately establish the length of various historical eras.[14]

## History of religions

Biruni is widely considered to be one of the most important Muslim authorities on the history of religion.[37] He is known as a pioneer in the field of comparative religion in his study of, among other creeds, [Zoroastrianism](/source/Zoroastrianism), [Judaism](/source/Judaism), [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism), Christianity, [Buddhism](/source/Buddhism) and [Islam](/source/Islam). He assumed the superiority of Islam: "We have here given an account of these things in order that the reader may learn by the comparative treatment of the subject how much superior the institutions of Islam are, and how more plainly this contrast brings out all customs and usages, differing from those of Islam, in their essential foulness." However he was happy on occasion to express admiration for other cultures, and quoted directly from the sacred texts of other religions when reaching his conclusions.[38] He strove to understand them on their own terms rather than trying to prove them wrong. His underlying concept was that all cultures are at least distant relatives of all other cultures because they are all human constructs. "Rather, what Al-Biruni seems to be arguing is that there is a common human element in every culture that makes all cultures distant relatives, however foreign they might seem to one another."[39]

Al-Biruni divides [Hindus](/source/Hindus) into an educated and an uneducated class. He describes the educated as monotheistic, believing that God is one, eternal, and omnipotent and eschewing all forms of idol worship. He recognizes that uneducated Hindus worshiped a multiplicity of idols yet points out that even some Muslims (such as the [Jabriyah](/source/Jabriyah)) have adopted [anthropomorphic](/source/Anthropomorphic) concepts of God.[40]

## Anthropology

Al-Biruni wrote about the peoples, customs and religions of the Indian subcontinent. According to Akbar S. Ahmed, like modern anthropologists, he engaged in extensive participant observation with a given group of people, learnt their language and studied their primary texts, presenting his findings with objectivity and neutrality using cross-cultural comparisons. Akhbar S. Ahmed concluded that Al-Biruni can be considered as the first anthropologist,[41] others, however, have argued that he can hardly be considered an anthropologist in the conventional sense.[42]

## Indology

Main article: [Alberuni's India](/source/Alberuni's_India)

Biruni's fame as an Indologist rests primarily on two texts.[43] Biruni wrote an encyclopedic work on India called [*Taḥqīq mā li-l-Hind min maqūlah maqbūlah fī al-ʿaql aw mardhūlah*](/source/Alberuni's_India) (variously translated as *Verifying All That the Indians Recount, the Reasonable and the Unreasonable*,[44] or *The book confirming what pertains to India, whether rational or despicable*,[43] in which he explored nearly every aspect of Indian life. During his journey through India, military and political history were not Biruni's main focus: he decided rather to document the civilian and scholarly aspects of Hindu life, examining culture, science, and religion. He explored religion within a rich cultural context.[16] He expressed his objectives with simple eloquence: He also translated the [yoga sutras](/source/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali) of Indian [sage](/source/Wise_old_man) [Patanjali](/source/Patanjali) with the title *Tarjamat ketāb Bātanjalī fi’l-ḵalāṣ men al-ertebāk*:[45]

I shall not produce the arguments of our antagonists in order to refute such of them, as I believe to be in the wrong. My book is nothing but a simple historic record of facts. I shall place before the reader the theories of the Hindus exactly as they are, and I shall mention in connection with them similar theories of the Greeks in order to show the relationship existing between them.

An example of Biruni's analysis is his summary of why many Hindus hate Muslims. Biruni notes in the beginning of his book how the Muslims had a hard time learning about Hindu knowledge and culture.[16] He explains that Hinduism and Islam are totally different from each other. Moreover, Hindus in 11th century India had suffered waves of destructive attacks on many of its cities, and Islamic armies had taken numerous Hindu slaves to Persia, which – claimed Biruni – contributed to Hindus becoming suspicious of all foreigners, not just Muslims. Hindus considered Muslims violent and impure, and did not want to share anything with them. Over time, Biruni won the welcome of Hindu scholars. Al-Biruni collected books and studied with these Hindu scholars to become fluent in Sanskrit, discover and translate into Arabic the mathematics, science, medicine, astronomy and other fields of arts as practiced in 11th-century India. He was inspired by the arguments offered by Indian scholars who believed earth must be globular in shape, which they felt was the only way to fully explain the difference in daylight hours by latitude, seasons and Earth's relative positions with Moon and stars. At the same time, Biruni was also critical of Indian scribes, who he believed carelessly corrupted Indian documents while making copies of older documents.[46] He also criticized the Hindus on what he saw them do and not do, for example finding them deficient in curiosity about history and religion.[16]

One of the specific aspects of Hindu life that Biruni studied was the [Hindu calendar](/source/Hindu_calendar). His scholarship on the topic exhibited great determination and focus, not to mention the excellence in his approach of the in-depth research he performed. He developed a method for converting the dates of the Hindu calendar to the dates of the three different calendars that were common in the Islamic countries of his time period, the Greek, the Arab/Muslim, and the Persian. Biruni also employed astronomy in the determination of his theories, which were complex mathematical equations and scientific calculations that allows one to convert dates and years between the different calendars.[47]

The book does not limit itself to tedious records of battle because Biruni found the social culture to be more important. The work includes research on a vast array of topics of Indian culture, including descriptions of their traditions and customs. Although he tried to stay away from political and military history, Biruni did indeed record important dates and noted actual sites of where significant battles occurred. Additionally, he chronicled stories of Indian rulers and told of how they ruled over their people with their beneficial actions and acted in the interests of the nation. His details are brief and mostly just list rulers without referring to their real names, and he did not go on about deeds that each one carried out during their reign, which keeps in line with Biruni's mission to try to stay away from political histories. Biruni also described the geography of India in his work. He documented different bodies of water and other natural phenomena. These descriptions are useful to today's modern historians because they are able to use Biruni's scholarship to locate certain destinations in modern-day India. Historians are able to make some matches while also concluding that certain areas seem to have disappeared and been replaced with different cities. Different forts and landmarks were able to be located, legitimizing Biruni's contributions with their usefulness to even modern history and archeology.[16]

The dispassionate account of Hinduism given by Biruni was remarkable for its time. He stated that he was fully objective in his writings, remaining unbiased like a proper historian should. Biruni documented everything about India just as it happened. But, he did note how some of the accounts of information that he was given by natives of the land may not have been reliable in terms of complete accuracy, however, he did try to be as honest as possible in his writing.[16] [Eduard Sachau](/source/Eduard_Sachau) compares it to "a magic island of quiet, impartial research in the midst of a world of clashing swords, burning towns, and plundered temples."[48] Biruni's writing was very poetic, which may diminish some of the historical value of the work for modern times. The lack of description of battle and politics makes those parts of the picture completely lost. However, many have used Biruni's work to check facts of history in other works that may have been ambiguous or had their validity questioned.[16]

## Religious views

Biruni, as a Muslim critical thinker, integrated in his studies between ['aql](/source/'aql) (reason) and naql (revelation).[49]

Al-Biruni did not say whether he was [Sunni](/source/Sunni) or [Shia](/source/Shia); rather, he only identified as a [Muslim](/source/Muslim).[50] According to historian Walter J. Fischel, Al-Biruni was "the greatest [Muslim Hebraist](/source/Muslim_Hebraists)".[51]

According to [Yasir Qadhi](/source/Yasir_Qadhi), Al-Biruni was "not pro-[Hadith](/source/Hadith)" and was "[sceptical of the Hadith](/source/Criticism_of_hadith)".[52] Al-Biruni rejected hadiths which contradicted science. For example, his rejection of the fasting hadith on [Ashura](/source/Ashura), which is reported in [Sahih al-Bukhari](/source/Sahih_al-Bukhari), was based on historical and scientific reasoning, indicating a critical approach to hadith where he found contradictions with verifiable facts. Al-Biruni used astronomical and historical calculations to argue that the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) could not have coincided with the Jewish day of Atonement ([Yom Kippur](/source/Yom_Kippur), 10th of Tishri) in the second year of the Hijra, as suggested by some hadiths. He noted that the dates could not have fallen on the same day, thus the premise of the hadith that the prophet [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad) fasted because the Jews did was historically and astronomically flawed.[53]

Al-Biruni counted as "caliphs" [Abu Bakr](/source/Abu_Bakr), [Umar ibn al-Khattab](/source/Umar_ibn_al-Khattab), [Uthman ibn Affan](/source/Uthman_ibn_Affan), [Ali ibn Abi Talib](/source/Ali_ibn_Abi_Talib), and [Hasan ibn Ali](/source/Hasan_ibn_Ali); the [Umayyads](/source/Umayyad_Caliphate) were designated as "kings", the [Abbasids](/source/Abbasid_Caliphate) as "imams".[54] Al-Biruni defended the [Mu'tazilites](/source/Mu'tazilites) against a slanderous misrepresentation of their doctrines.[54] He was critical of [Sufism](/source/Sufism).[54]

Al-Biruni was as unequivocal in rejecting beliefs unacceptable to Muslims as he is in condemning unfair criticism of other faiths, such as [Christianity](/source/Christianity). Though he criticised the [Trinity](/source/Trinity), he believed that the [Tawrat](/source/Tawrat) and [Injeel](/source/Injeel) use the words "father" and "son" in a metaphorical, as well as a literal, sense.[54]

## Works

Most of the works of Al-Biruni are in [Arabic](/source/Arabic) although he seemingly wrote the *Kitab al-Tafhim* in both [Persian](/source/Persian_language) and Arabic, showing his mastery over both languages.[55] Bīrūnī's catalogue of his own literary production up to his 65th lunar/63rd solar year (the end of 427/1036) lists 103 titles divided into 12 categories: astronomy, mathematical geography, mathematics, astrological aspects and transits, astronomical instruments, chronology, comets, an untitled category, astrology, anecdotes, religion, and books he no longer possesses.[56]

### Selection of extant works

- [*Taḥqīq mā li-l-Hind*](/source/Alberuni's_India) (*A Critical Study of What India Says, Whether Accepted by Reason or Refused*; تحقيق ما للهند من مقولة معقولة في العقل أو مرذولة), popularly called *Kitāb al-Hind* (*The Book on India*);[57] English translations called *Indica* or *Alberuni's India*. The work is a compendium of India's religion and philosophy.[26][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

- *Kitab al-tafhim li-awa’il sina‘at al-tanjim* (*Book of Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology*); in [Persian](/source/Persian_language).

- *[The Remaining Signs of Past Centuries](/source/The_Remaining_Signs_of_Past_Centuries)* (الآثار الباقية عن القرون الخالية), a comparative study of calendars of cultures and civilizations, (including several chapters on Christian cults), which contains mathematical, astronomical, and historical information.

- *The Mas'udi Law* (قانون مسعودي), an encyclopaedia of astronomy, geography, and engineering, dedicated to Mas'ud, son of the [Ghaznavid](/source/Ghaznavid) sultan [Mahmud of Ghazni](/source/Mahmud_of_Ghazni).

- *Understanding Astrology* (التفهيم لصناعة التنجيم), a question and answer style book about mathematics and astronomy, in Arabic and Persian.

- *Pharmacy*, a work on drugs and medicines.

- *Gems* (الجماهر في معرفة الجواهر), a geology manual about minerals and gems. Dedicated to Mawdud, son of Mas'ud.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- A history of Mahmud of Ghazni and his father

- A history of Khawarezm

- *Kitab al-Āthār al-Bāqīyah ‘an al-Qurūn al-Khālīyah*.[26][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

- *Risālah li-al-Bīrūnī* (*Epître de Berūnī*)[58]

### Persian work

Biruni wrote most of his works in [Arabic](/source/Arabic), the scientific language of his age, but *al-Tafhim* is one of the most important of the early works of science in [Persian](/source/Persian_language), and is a rich source for Persian prose and [lexicography](/source/Lexicography). The book covers the *[Quadrivium](/source/Quadrivium)* in a detailed and skilled fashion.[55]

## Legacy

The statue of Al-Biruni in [United Nations Office in Vienna](/source/United_Nations_Office_in_Vienna)

Following Al-Biruni's death, his work was neither built upon nor referenced by scholars. Centuries later, his writings about India, which had become of interest to the [British Raj](/source/British_Raj), were revisited.[59]

The lunar crater [Al-Biruni](/source/Al-Biruni_(crater))[60] and the asteroid [9936 Al-Biruni](/source/9936_Al-Biruni) are named in his honour. [Biruni Island](/source/Biruni_Island) in [Antarctica](/source/Antarctica) is named after al-Biruni. In Iran, surveying engineers are celebrated on al-Biruni's birthday.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In June 2009, [Iran](/source/Iran) donated a pavilion to the [United Nations Office in Vienna](/source/United_Nations_Office_in_Vienna)—placed in the central Memorial Plaza of the [Vienna International Center](/source/Vienna_International_Center).[61] Named the [Scholars Pavilion](/source/Scholars_Pavilion), it features the statues of four prominent Iranian scholars: [Avicenna](/source/Avicenna), Abu Rayhan Biruni, [Zakariya Razi](/source/Muhammad_ibn_Zakariya_al-Razi) (Rhazes) and [Omar Khayyam](/source/Omar_Khayyam).[62]

### In popular culture

A film about the life of Al-Biruni, *Abu Raykhan Beruni*, was released in the [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union) in 1974.[63]

[Irrfan Khan](/source/Irrfan_Khan) portrayed Al-Biruni in the 1988 [Doordarshan](/source/Doordarshan) historical drama *[Bharat Ek Khoj](/source/Bharat_Ek_Khoj)*. He has been portrayed by [Cüneyt Uzunlar](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%BCneyt_Uzunlar) in the Turkish television series *[Alparslan: Büyük Selçuklu](/source/Alparslan%3A_B%C3%BCy%C3%BCk_Sel%C3%A7uklu)* on [TRT 1](/source/TRT_1).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [/ælbɪˈruːni/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) ([Persian](/source/Persian_language): ابوریحان بیرونی; [Arabic](/source/Arabic_language): أبو الريحان البيروني

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Al-Biruni's idea of *al-Hind* (India) was a cultural zone coinciding with the present-day [Pakistan](/source/Pakistan) and India.[7]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKennedy1975394_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKennedy1975394_1-1) [Kennedy 1975](#CITEREFKennedy1975), p. 394.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAtaman200858_2-0)** [Ataman 2008](#CITEREFAtaman2008), p. 58.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBosworth2000_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBosworth2000_4-1) [Bosworth 2000](#CITEREFBosworth2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Strohmaier 2006](#CITEREFStrohmaier2006), p. 112 [MacKenzie 2000](#CITEREFMacKenzie2000) [Curtis & Stewart 2009](#CITEREFCurtisStewart2009), p. 85 Dale, Stephen F. (3 May 2018). [*Babur: Timurid Prince and Mughal Emperor, 1483–1530*](https://books.google.com/books?id=xyluDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA142). Cambridge University Press. p. 142. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-316-99637-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-316-99637-9). Bosworth, C. E. (1968). "The Political and Dynastic History of the Iranian World (A.D. 1000–1217)". In Boyle, J.A. (ed.). [*The Cambridge History of Iran: The Saljuq and Mongol Periods. Vol*](https://books.google.com/books?id=7JmpQwAACAAJ). [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). pp. 7–141. Page 7: "The Iranian scholar al-Biruni says that the Khwarazmian era began when the region was first settled and cultivated, this date being placed in the early 13th-century BC)" page 141 "the Khwarazmian al-Biruni'" Frye, Richard Nelson (February 2000). [*The Golden Age of Persia*](https://books.google.com/books?id=gRKOPwAACAAJ). Phoenix Publishing, Incorporated. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7538-0944-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7538-0944-0). The contribution of Iranians to Islamic mathematics is overwhelming. ..The name of Abu Raihan Al-Biruni, from Khwarazm, must be mentioned since he was one of the greatest scientists in World History Panaino, Antonio (27 October 2021). [*Erexsha'a death or self sacrifice*](https://books.google.com/books?id=XJlKEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA32) (in Italian). Mimesis. p. 32. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-88-575-8526-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-575-8526-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAhmed19849–10_6-0)** [Ahmed 1984](#CITEREFAhmed1984), pp. 9–10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEYano2013_7-0)** [Yano 2013](#CITEREFYano2013).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVerdon201552_8-0)** [Verdon 2015](#CITEREFVerdon2015), p. 52.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGulyamova202242_10-0)** [Gulyamova 2022](#CITEREFGulyamova2022), p. 42.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStarr20231_11-0)** [Starr 2023](#CITEREFStarr2023), pp. 1.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStrohmaier2006112_12-0)** [Strohmaier 2006](#CITEREFStrohmaier2006), p. 112.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMacKenzie2000_13-0)** [MacKenzie 2000](#CITEREFMacKenzie2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPapan-Matin2010111_14-0)** [Papan-Matin 2010](#CITEREFPapan-Matin2010), p. 111.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHodgson197468_15-0)** [Hodgson 1974](#CITEREFHodgson1974), p. 68.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESparavigna2013_16-7) [Sparavigna 2013](#CITEREFSparavigna2013).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEWaardenburg199927_17-0)** [Waardenburg 1999](#CITEREFWaardenburg1999), p. 27.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKhan1976_18-6) [Khan 1976](#CITEREFKhan1976).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESaliba2000_19-0)** [Saliba 2000](#CITEREFSaliba2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESaliba1982248–251_20-0)** [Saliba 1982](#CITEREFSaliba1982), pp. 248–251.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoonan200532_21-0)** [Noonan 2005](#CITEREFNoonan2005), p. 32.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau1910277_22-0)** [al-Biruni & Sachau 1910](#CITEREFal-BiruniSachau1910), p. 277.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECovington2007_23-0)** [Covington 2007](#CITEREFCovington2007).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStephenson200845,_457,_491–493_24-0)** [Stephenson 2008](#CITEREFStephenson2008), pp. 45, 457, 491–493.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENasr1993_25-0)** [Nasr 1993](#CITEREFNasr1993).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBerjakMuzaffar2003_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBerjakMuzaffar2003_26-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBerjakMuzaffar2003_26-2) [Berjak & Muzaffar 2003](#CITEREFBerjakMuzaffar2003).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVibert1973_27-0)** [Vibert 1973](#CITEREFVibert1973).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau1910_28-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau1910_28-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau1910_28-2) [al-Biruni & Sachau 1910](#CITEREFal-BiruniSachau1910).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAlikuzai2013154_29-0)** [Alikuzai 2013](#CITEREFAlikuzai2013), p. 154.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERozhanskayaLevinova1996_30-0)** [Rozhanskaya & Levinova 1996](#CITEREFRozhanskayaLevinova1996).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPingree2000b_31-0)** [Pingree 2000b](#CITEREFPingree2000b).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVibert1973211_32-0)** [Vibert 1973](#CITEREFVibert1973), p. 211.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHuth2013216–217_33-0)** [Huth 2013](#CITEREFHuth2013), pp. 216–217.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEScheppler2006_34-0)** [Scheppler 2006](#CITEREFScheppler2006).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKujundzićMasić1999_35-0)** [Kujundzić & Masić 1999](#CITEREFKujundzićMasić1999).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELevey1973145_36-0)** [Levey 1973](#CITEREFLevey1973), p. 145.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAnawati2000_37-0)** [Anawati 2000](#CITEREFAnawati2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPingree2000c_38-0)** [Pingree 2000c](#CITEREFPingree2000c).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEde_Blois2000_39-0)** [de Blois 2000](#CITEREFde_Blois2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKamaruzzaman2003_40-0)** [Kamaruzzaman 2003](#CITEREFKamaruzzaman2003).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAtaman200860_41-0)** [Ataman 2008](#CITEREFAtaman2008), p. 60.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAtaman2005_42-0)** [Ataman 2005](#CITEREFAtaman2005).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAhmed1984_43-0)** [Ahmed 1984](#CITEREFAhmed1984).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETapper1995_44-0)** [Tapper 1995](#CITEREFTapper1995).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELawrence2000_45-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELawrence2000_45-1) [Lawrence 2000](#CITEREFLawrence2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** George Saliba. ["Al-Bīrūnī"](https://www.britannica.com/biography/al-Biruni). *Encyclopaedia Britannica*. Retrieved 12 August 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau19105_47-0)** [al-Biruni & Sachau 1910](#CITEREFal-BiruniSachau1910), p. 5.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau191017_48-0)** [al-Biruni & Sachau 1910](#CITEREFal-BiruniSachau1910), p. 17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKennedyEngleWamstad1965_49-0)** [Kennedy, Engle & Wamstad 1965](#CITEREFKennedyEngleWamstad1965).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEal-BiruniSachau191026_50-0)** [al-Biruni & Sachau 1910](#CITEREFal-BiruniSachau1910), p. 26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["(PDF) Al-Biruni: A Muslim Critical Thinker"](http://web.archive.org/web/20260225151339/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301719808_Al-Biruni_A_Muslim_Critical_Thinker). *ResearchGate*. Archived from [the original](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301719808_Al-Biruni_A_Muslim_Critical_Thinker) on 25 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** Khan, Israr Ahmad; Latief, Hilman; Abu-Munshar, Maher (2 October 2006). ["American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences 23:4"](https://books.google.com/books?id=PpI4DwAAQBAJ&dq=Al-Biruni+%7C+E.+S.+Kennedy,+in+line+with+Sachau%27s+investigation&pg=PA56).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-auto1_53-0)** Khanbaghi, Aptin (22 February 2006). [*The Fire, the Star and the Cross: Minority Religions in Medieval and Early Modern Iran*](https://books.google.com/books?id=l7WKDwAAQBAJ&dq=Muslim+Hebraist&pg=PA47). Bloomsbury. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-85771-266-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-85771-266-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** ["Muslim Central"](https://muslimcentral.com/). *muslimcentral.com*. Retrieved 18 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** Rizvi, Sayyid Saeed Akhtar (2026). ["False hadith for Fast on Ashura"](https://www.duas.org/falsefast.htm). *Duas*. Retrieved 18 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_56-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_56-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_56-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:0_56-3) ["BĪRŪNĪ, ABŪ RAYḤĀN vii. History of Religions"](https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-vii/). *Encyclopaedia Iranica*. Retrieved 18 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENasr1993111_57-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENasr1993111_57-1) [Nasr 1993](#CITEREFNasr1993), p. 111.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPingree2000a_58-0)** [Pingree 2000a](#CITEREFPingree2000a).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVerdon201537_59-0)** [Verdon 2015](#CITEREFVerdon2015), p. 37.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKraus1936_60-0)** [Kraus 1936](#CITEREFKraus1936).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bbc_61-0)** ["Al-Biruni"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00smnlk) (Radio broadcast). *In Our Time*. [BBC](/source/BBC). Retrieved 5 March 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GPN_62-0)** ["Al-Biruni"](https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/146). *Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature*. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Uni_63-0)** ["Monument to Be Inaugurated at the Vienna International Centre, 'Scholars Pavilion' donated to International Organizations in Vienna by Iran"](https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2009/unisvic167.html). [United Nations Information Service Vienna](/source/United_Nations_Information_Service_Vienna). 5 June 2009. Retrieved 11 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Min_64-0)** ["Permanent mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations office – Vienna"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190914135224/http://en.viennaun.mfa.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&siteid=207&pageid=28858). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Archived from [the original](http://en.viennaun.mfa.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&siteid=207&pageid=28858) on 14 September 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-IMD_65-0)** Abbasov, Shukhrat; Saidkasymov, Pulat; Shukurov, Bakhtiyer; Khamrayev, Razak (14 April 1975). ["Abu Raykhan Beruni"](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299445/). IMDb. Retrieved 4 July 2018.

## Sources

- Ahmed, Akbar S. (1984). "Al-Beruni: The First Anthropologist". *RAIN* (60). [Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland](/source/Royal_Anthropological_Institute_of_Great_Britain_and_Ireland): 9–10. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/3033407](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F3033407). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [3033407](https://www.jstor.org/stable/3033407).

- Akhtar, Zia (2011). ["Constitutional legitimacy: Sharia law, secularism and the social compact"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287437605). *Indonesia Law Review*. **2** (1): 107–127. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.15742/ilrev.v1n2.84](https://doi.org/10.15742%2Filrev.v1n2.84). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [153637958](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:153637958).

- Alikuzai, Hamid Wahed (2013). [*A Concise History of Afghanistan in 25 Volumes*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-WRlAQAAQBAJ). Vol. 1. Trafford Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4907-1446-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4907-1446-2).

- Anawati, Georges C. (2000). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān v. Pharmacology and Mineralogy"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-v). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Ataman, Kemal (2005). ["Re-Reading al-Biruni's India: a Case for Intercultural Understanding"](https://www.academia.edu/31444406). *Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations*. **16** (2). [Routledge](/source/Routledge): 141–154. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/09596410500059623](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F09596410500059623). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [143545645](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:143545645).

- Ataman, Kemal (2008). [*Understanding Other Religions: Al-Biruni's and Gadamer's "Fusion of Horizons"*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Snf-XWjqJ0kC). Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Change. Washington, D.C.: The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-56518-252-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-56518-252-3).

- Berjak, Rafik; Muzaffar, Iqbal (2003). ["Ibn Sina--Al-Biruni correspondence"](https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA119627460&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=17037603&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E1da8c596). *Islam & Science*. **1** (1): 91 – via Gale Academic OneFile.

- al-Biruni; Sachau, Eduard (1910). [Sachau, Eduard](/source/Eduard_Sachau) (ed.). [*Alberuni's India: An Account of the Religion, Philosophy, Literature, Geography, Chronology, Astronomy, Customs, Laws and Astrology of India about A.D. 1030*](https://archive.org/details/alberunisindiaac01biru/page/n5/mode/2up). London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1039522051](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1039522051).([volume 1](https://archive.org/details/alberunisindiaac01biru/page/n5/mode/2up); [volume 2](https://archive.org/details/alberunisindiaac00biruiala/page/n5/mode/2up))

- de Blois, François (2000). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān: vii. History of Religion"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-vii). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Bosworth, C. Edmund (2000). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān"](https://iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-index). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Covington, Richard (2007). ["Rediscovering Arabic Science"](http://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/200703/rediscovering.arabic.science.htm). *[Aramco World](/source/Aramco_World)*. Vol. 58, no. 3. Retrieved 6 March 2023.>

- Gulyamova, Lola (2022). [*The Geography of Uzbekistan: At the Crossroads of the Silk Road*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6KfEAAAQBAJ). [Springer Nature](/source/Springer_Nature). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-30310-7-873-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-30310-7-873-6).

- Hannam, James (2009). [*God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science*](https://archive.org/details/godsphilosophers0000hann/page/n5/mode/2up). London: Icon. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84831-150-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84831-150-3).

- Hodgson, Marshall G. S. (1974). [*The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization*](https://archive.org/details/learnislampdfenglishbooktheventureofislamvolume2/page/n3/mode/2up). Vol. 2: The Expansion of Islam in the Middle Periods. Chicago: [University of Chicago Press](/source/University_of_Chicago_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-226-34677-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-226-34677-9).

- Huth, John Edward (2013). [*The Lost Art of Finding Our Way*](https://archive.org/details/lostartoffinding0000huth/page/n5/mode/2up). Cambridge, Massachusetts: [Harvard University Press](/source/Harvard_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-674-07282-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-674-07282-4).

- Levey, Martin (1973). [*Early Arabic Pharmacology: An Introduction Based on Ancient and Medieval Sources*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LtYUAAAAIAAJ). Brill Archive. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-03796-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-03796-0).

- Kamaruzzaman, Kamar Oniah (2003). ["Al-Biruni: Father of Comparative Religion"](https://philpapers.org/rec/KAMAFO-2). *Intellectual Discourse*. **11** (2).

- Kaminski, Joseph J. (2017). *The Contemporary Islamic Governed State: A Reconceptualization*. Palgrave Series in Islamic Theology, Law, and History. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 31–70. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/978-3-319-57012-9_2](https://doi.org/10.1007%2F978-3-319-57012-9_2). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-33195-7-011-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-33195-7-011-2).

- Kennedy, E.S.; Engle, Susan; Wamstad, Jeanne (1965). ["The Hindu Calendar as Described in Al-Biruni's Masudic Canon"](https://books.google.com/books?id=_OLYMgEACAAJ). *Journal of Near Eastern Studies*. **24** (3): 274–284. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1086/371821](https://doi.org/10.1086%2F371821). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [161208100](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:161208100).

- [Kennedy, Edward Stewart](/source/Edward_Stewart_Kennedy) (1975). "The Exact Sciences". In Frye, R. N.; Fisher, William Bayne (eds.). [*The Cambridge History of Iran*](https://books.google.com/books?id=hvx9jq_2L3EC). Vol. 4. Cambridge: [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-20093-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-20093-6).

- Khan, M.S. (1976). ["Al-Biruni and the Political History of India"](https://brill.com/view/journals/orie/25-26/1/article-p86_7.xml). *Oriens*. 25/26: 86–115. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1163/18778372-02502601007](https://doi.org/10.1163%2F18778372-02502601007). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0078-6527](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0078-6527).

- Kraus, Paul, ed. (1936). *Epître de Beruni contenant le répertoire des ouvrages de Muhammad b. Zakariya ar-Razi* (in French). Paris: J.P. Maisonneuve. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1340409059](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1340409059).

- Kujundzić, E.; Masić, I. (1999). "Al-Biruni—a universal scientist". *Medical Archives* (in Croatian). **53** (2): 117–120. [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [10386051](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10386051).

- Lawrence, Bruce B. (2000). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān: viii. Indology"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-viii). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- MacKenzie, D. N. (2000). ["Chorasmia: iii. The Chorasmian Language"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/chorasmia-iii). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein (1993). [*An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines: Conceptions of Nature and Methods used for its Study by the Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ, al-Bīrūnī, and Ibn Sīnā*](https://archive.org/details/introductiontois00nasr/page/n5/mode/2up) (2nd ed.). Albany, New York: [State University of New York Press](/source/State_University_of_New_York_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-07914-1-515-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-07914-1-515-3).

- Noonan, George C. (2005). [*Classical Scientific Astrology*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Hp-H4KhAvoUC). Tempe, Arizona: American Federation of Astrologers. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-86690-049-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-86690-049-2).

- Papan-Matin, Firoozeh (2010). [*Beyond Death: The Mystical Teachings of ʻAyn Al-Quḍāt Al-Hamadhānī*](https://books.google.com/books?id=A-jFcIshQd4C). [Brill Publishers](/source/Brill_Publishers). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-17413-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-17413-9).

- Pines, S. (1964). ["The Semantic Distinction between the Terms Astronomy and Astrology according to al-Biruni"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/228577). *[Isis](/source/Isis_(journal))*. **55** (3). Chicago: [The University of Chicago Press](/source/The_University_of_Chicago_Press): 343–349. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1086/349868](https://doi.org/10.1086%2F349868). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1545-6994](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1545-6994). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [228577](https://www.jstor.org/stable/228577). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [143941055](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:143941055).

- Pingree, David (2000a). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān: ii. Bibliography"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-ii). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Pingree, David (2000b). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān: iv. Geography"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-iv). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Pingree, David (2000c). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān: vi. History and Chronology"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-vi). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Rozhanskaya, Mariam; Levinova, I. S. (1996). "Statics". In Rushdī, Rāshid (ed.). [*Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science*](https://archive.org/details/RoshdiRasheded.EncyclopediaOfTheHistoryOfArabicScienceVol.3Routledge1996/Qisar-Roshdi-Rashed-Encyclopedia-of-the-History-of-Arabic-Science/mode/2up). Psychology Press. pp. 274–298. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-415-12411-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-415-12411-9).

- Saliba, George (1982). "Al-Biruni". In Strayer, Joseph (ed.). [*Dictionary of the Middle Ages*](https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmidd0002unse_r7d0/page/n7/mode/2up). Vol. 2. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-06841-9-073-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-06841-9-073-0).

- Saliba, George (2000). ["Bīrūnī, Abū Rayḥān:iii. Mathematics and Astronomy"](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/biruni-abu-rayhan-iii). *[Encyclopædia Iranica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Iranica)*.

- Scheppler, Bill (2006). [*Al-Biruni: Master Astronomer and Muslim Scholar of the Eleventh Century*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Qm-nUvJVlUUC). Great Muslim Philosophers and Scientists of the Middle Ages. New York: Rosen Publishing Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4042-0512-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4042-0512-3).

- Sparavigna, Amelia (2013). ["The Science of Al-Biruni"](http://www.ijsciences.com/pub/article/364). *International Journal of Sciences*. **2** (12): 52–60. [arXiv](/source/ArXiv_(identifier)):[1312.7288](https://arxiv.org/abs/1312.7288). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.18483/ijSci.364](https://doi.org/10.18483%2FijSci.364). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [119230163](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:119230163).

- Stephenson, F. Richard (2008) [1997]. [*Historical Eclipses and Earth's Rotation*](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/historical-eclipses-and-earths-rotation/5666AB5AE48DE13AB0D28CEEFC765C50). Cambridge: [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-05633-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-05633-5).

- Strohmaier, Gotthard (2006). "Biruni". In Meri, Josef W. (ed.). [*Medieval Islamic Civilization: A-K, index*](https://books.google.com/books?id=MypbfKdMePIC). Taylor & Francis. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-415-96691-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-415-96691-7).

- Tapper, Richard (1995). ""Islamic Anthropology" and the "Anthropology of Islam"". *[Anthropological Quarterly](/source/Anthropological_Quarterly)*. **68** (3): 185–193. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/3318074](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F3318074). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0003-5491](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0003-5491). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [3318074](https://www.jstor.org/stable/3318074).

- Vibert, Douglas A. (1973). "Al-Biruni, Persian Scholar, 973–1048". *Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada*. **67**: 209–211. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[1973JRASC..67..209D](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1973JRASC..67..209D). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0035-872X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0035-872X).

- Verdon, Noémie (2015). "Cartography and Cultural Identity: Conceptualisation of *al-Hind* by Arabic and Persian writers". In Ray, Himanshu Prabha (ed.). *Negotiating Cultural Identity: Landscapes in Early Medieval South Asian History*. Archaeology and Religion in South Asia. [Routledge](/source/Routledge). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-317-34130-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-317-34130-7).

- Curtis, Vesta Sarkhosh; Stewart, Sarah (2009). [*The Rise of Islam: The Idea of Iran Vol 4*](https://books.google.com/books?id=VsqJDwAAQBAJ). I.B. Tauris. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1845116910](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1845116910).

- Waardenburg, Jacques, ed. (1999). [*Muslim Perceptions of Other Religions: A Historical Survey*](https://books.google.com/books?id=cBBnDAAAQBAJ). Oxford: [Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-535576-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-535576-5).

- Watt, William Montgomery; Said, Hakim M. (1979). *Al-Bīrūnī and the Study of Non-Islamic Religions*. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [278693104](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/278693104).

- Yano, Michio (2013). ["al-Bīrūnī"](https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-3/al-biruni-COM_25350). In Fleet, Kate; [Krämer, Gudrun](/source/Gudrun_Kr%C3%A4mer); Matringe, Denis; Nawas, John; [Rowson, Everett](/source/Everett_K._Rowson) (eds.). *Encyclopaedia of Islam* (3rd ed.). Brill Online. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1873-9830](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1873-9830).

- Starr, S. Frederick (2023). *The Genius of their Age: Ibn Sina, Biruni, and the Lost Enlightenment*. Oxford University Press.

## Further reading

- Ali, Wahshat Khan Bahadur Reza (1951). [*Al-Biruni Commemoration Volume*](https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.505563/page/n3/mode/2up). Calcutta: Iran Society. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [55570787](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/55570787).

- Bosworth, C. E. (1968). "The Political and Dynastic History of the Iranian World (A.D. 1000–1217)". In Boyle, J.A. (ed.). [*The Saljuq and Mongol Periods*](https://books.google.com/books?id=16yHq5v3QZAC). The Cambridge History of Iran. Vol. 5. Cambridge: [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780521069366](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780521069366). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1015426101](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1015426101).

- [Brockelmann, C](/source/Carl_Brockelmann) (1987) [1913–1938]. "al-Biruni". In Houtsma, M. T.; Arnold, T.W.; Basset, R.; Hartmann, R. (eds.). [*Encyclopaedia of Islam*](https://archive.org/details/ejbrillsfirstenc0002unse/page/n5/mode/2up). Vol. 2 (1st ed.). Brill. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1163/2214-871X_ei1_SIM_1392](https://doi.org/10.1163%2F2214-871X_ei1_SIM_1392). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-08265-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-08265-6).

- [Elliot, Henry Miers](/source/Henry_Miers_Elliot); [Dowson, John](/source/John_Dowson) (1871). ["1. Táríkhu-l Hind of Bírúní"](https://archive.org/stream/cu31924073036729#page/n15/mode/2up). [*The History of India, as told by Its own Historians*](https://archive.org/details/cu31924073036729/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater). Vol. 2: The Muhammadan Period. London: Trübner & Co. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [76070790](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/76070790).

- Ghorbani, Abolghassem (1974). *Bīrūnī nāmeh [A monograph on Abu Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī]*. Tehran: Iranian National Heritage Society Press. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1356523019](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1356523019). (Includes facsimile edition of the Arabic text of al-Biruni's *Maqālīd 'ilm al-hay'a* ("*Keys of Astronomy*"))

- Glick, Thomas F.; Livesey, Steven John; Wallis, Faith (2005). [*Medieval Science, Technology, and Medicine: An Encyclopedia*](https://archive.org/details/medievalsciencet0000unse/page/n5/mode/2up). [Routledge](/source/Routledge). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-415-96930-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-415-96930-7).

- Karamati, Younes; Melvin-Koushki, Matthew (2021). ["al-Bīrūnī"](https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-islamica/al-biruni-COM_05000005). In [Madelung, Wilferd](/source/Wilferd_Madelung); [Daftary, Farhad](/source/Farhad_Daftary) (eds.). *Encyclopaedia Islamica Online*. Brill Online. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1875-9831](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1875-9831).

- [Kennedy, E.S.](/source/Edward_Stewart_Kennedy) (1970). "Al-Biruni". In Gillispie, Charles Coulston; Holmes, Frederic Lawrence (eds.). [*Dictionary of Scientific Biography*](https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofscie02gill/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater). Vol. 2. New York: Scribner. pp. 147–157. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780684101149](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780684101149). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [755137603](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/755137603).

- Kiple, Kenneth F.; Ornelas, Kriemhild Coneè (2001). [*The Cambridge World History of Food*](https://archive.org/details/cambridgeworldhi0001unse/page/n7/mode/2up). Cambridge: [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-40216-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-40216-3).

- Naba’i, Abulfadl (2019) [2002]. *Calendar-Making in the History*. Astan Quds Razavi Publishing Co. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-600-02-0665-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-600-02-0665-9).

- Rashed, Roshdi; Morelon, Régis (2019). [*Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science*](https://books.google.com/books?id=7veIAgAAQBAJ). Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-415-12410-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-415-12410-2).

- [Saliba, George](/source/George_Saliba) (1994). [*A History of Arabic Astronomy: Planetary Theories During the Golden Age of Islam*](https://archive.org/details/historyofarabica0000sali/page/n3/mode/2up). New York: [New York University Press](/source/New_York_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8147-8023-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8147-8023-7).

- Samian, A.L. (2011). "Reason and Spirit in Al-Biruni's Philosophy of Mathematics". In Tymieniecka, A-T. (ed.). *Reason, Spirit and the Sacral in the New Enlightenment*. Islamic Philosophy and Occidental Phenomenology in Dialogue. Vol. 5. Netherlands: Springer. pp. 137–146. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/978-90-481-9612-8_9](https://doi.org/10.1007%2F978-90-481-9612-8_9). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-481-9612-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-481-9612-8).

- Wilczynski, Jan Z. (1959). "On the Presumed Darwinism of Alberuni Eight Hundred Years before Darwin". *Isis*. **50** (4): 459–466. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1086/348801](https://doi.org/10.1086%2F348801). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [226430](https://www.jstor.org/stable/226430). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [143086988](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:143086988).

- Yano, Michio (2007). ["Bīrūnī: Abū al-Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī"](https://islamsci.mcgill.ca/RASI/BEA/Biruni_BEA.htm). In Hockey, Thomas; et al. (eds.). [*Biographical Encyclopedia of Astronomers*](https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-0-387-30400-7). [Springer Publishers](/source/Springer_Publishers). pp. 131–133. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/978-0-387-30400-7_1433](https://doi.org/10.1007%2F978-0-387-30400-7_1433). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4419-9918-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4419-9918-4). ([PDF version](https://islamsci.mcgill.ca/RASI/BEA/Biruni_BEA.pdf))

- Yasin, Mohammed (1975). ["Al-Biruni in India"](https://archive.org/details/dli.calcutta.06474/page/n255/mode/2up). *Islamic Culture*. **49**: 207–213 – via [Internet Archive](/source/Internet_Archive).

## External links

**Al-Biruni**  at Wikipedia's [sister projects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikimedia_sister_projects)

- [Media](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Abu_Rayhan_al-Biruni) from Commons
- [Quotations](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Al-Biruni) from Wikiquote
- [Texts](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Author:Abu_Rayhan_Biruni) from Wikisource
- [Data](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11826) from Wikidata

- [The works of Abu Rayhan (al-)Biruni](http://www.albiruni.nl/) – manuscripts, critical editions, and translations compiled by Jan Hogendijk

- Digitized facsimiles of works by al-Biruni at the [British Library](/source/British_Library):

- - the [*al-Qanūn al-Masʿūdī*](https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=IAMS032-002753773&indx=1&recIds=IAMS032-002753773&recIdxs=0&elementId=0&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&frbg=&&dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope%3A%28BL%29&mode=Basic&vid=IAMS_VU2&srt=rank&tab=local&vl(freeText0)=biruni&dum=true&dstmp=1676479606086) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025228/https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=IAMS032-002753773&indx=1&recIds=IAMS032-002753773&recIdxs=0&elementId=0&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&frbg=&&dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope:(BL)&mode=Basic&vid=IAMS_VU2&srt=rank&tab=local&vl(freeText0)=biruni&dum=true&dstmp=1676479606086) 26 March 2023 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) - the [*Kitāb al-tafhīm li-awā’īl ṣinā‘at al-tanjīm*](https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=IAMS032-002746985&indx=1&recIds=IAMS032-002746985&recIdxs=0&elementId=0&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&frbg=&&dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope%3A%28BL%29&mode=Basic&vid=IAMS_VU2&srt=rank&tab=local&vl(freeText0)=kitab%20al-tafhim&dum=true&dstmp=1676481604659) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230314065502/https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=IAMS032-002746985&indx=1&recIds=IAMS032-002746985&recIdxs=0&elementId=0&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&frbg=&&dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope%3A(BL)&mode=Basic&vid=IAMS_VU2&srt=rank&tab=local&vl(freeText0)=kitab%20al-tafhim&dum=true&dstmp=1676481604659) 14 March 2023 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) - the [*Kitāb istī‘āb al-wujūh al-mumkinah fī ṣan‘at al-asṭurlāb*](https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=IAMS032-002360260&indx=3&recIds=IAMS032-002360260&recIdxs=2&elementId=2&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&frbg=&&dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope%3A%28BL%29&mode=Basic&vid=IAMS_VU2&srt=rank&tab=local&vl(freeText0)=B%C4%ABr%C5%ABn%C4%AB%2C%20Mu%E1%B8%A5ammad%20ibn%20A%E1%B8%A5mad&dum=true&dstmp=1676481935090the) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230314065443/https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=IAMS032-002360260&indx=3&recIds=IAMS032-002360260&recIdxs=2&elementId=2&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=&frbg=&&dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope%3A(BL)&mode=Basic&vid=IAMS_VU2&srt=rank&tab=local&vl(freeText0)=B%C4%ABr%C5%ABn%C4%AB%2C%20Mu%E1%B8%A5ammad%20ibn%20A%E1%B8%A5mad&dum=true&dstmp=1676481935090the) 14 March 2023 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

Articles and topics related to Al-Biruni v t e Astronomy in the medieval Islamic world Astronomers by century 8th Ahmad Nahavandi Al-Fadl ibn Naubakht Muḥammad ibn Ibrāhīm al-Fazārī Ibrāhīm al-Fazārī Mashallah ibn Athari Yaʿqūb ibn Ṭāriq 9th Abu Ali al-Khayyat Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi Abu Said Gorgani Al-Farghani Al-Kindi Al-Mahani Abu Hanifa Dinawari Al-Ḥajjāj ibn Yūsuf Al-Marwazi Ali ibn Isa al-Asturlabi Banū Mūsā brothers Iranshahri Khalid ibn Abd al‐Malik al‐Marwarrudhi Al-Khwarizmi Sahl ibn Bishr Thābit ibn Qurra Yahya ibn Abi Mansur 10th al-Sufi Ibn Al-Adami al-Khojandi al-Khazin al-Qūhī Abu al-Wafa Ahmad ibn Yusuf al-Battani Al-Qabisi Ibn al-A'lam Al-Nayrizi Al-Saghani Aṣ-Ṣaidanānī Ibn Yunus Ibrahim ibn Sinan Ma Yize al-Sijzi Al-ʻIjliyyah Nastulus Abu'l-Fadl Harawi Haseb-i Tabari al-Majriti Abu al-Hasan al-Ahwazi 11th Abu Nasr Mansur al-Biruni Ali ibn Ridwan Al-Zarqālī Ibn al-Samh Alhazen Avicenna Ibn al-Saffar Kushyar Gilani Said al-Andalusi Ibrahim ibn Said al-Sahli Ibn Mu'adh al-Jayyani Al-Isfizari Ali ibn Khalaf 12th Al-Bitruji Avempace Ibn Tufail Al-Kharaqī Al-Khazini Al-Samawal al-Maghribi Abu al-Salt Averroes Ibn al-Kammad Jabir ibn Aflah Omar Khayyam Sharaf al-Din al-Tusi 13th Ibn al-Banna' al-Marrakushi Ibn al‐Ha'im al‐Ishbili Jamal ad-Din Alam al-Din al-Hanafi Najm al‐Din al‐Misri Muhyi al-Din al-Maghribi Nasir al-Din al-Tusi Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi Shams al-Din al-Samarqandi Zakariya al-Qazwini al-Urdi al-Abhari Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr al‐Farisi Abu Ali al-Hasan al-Marrakushi Ibn Ishaq al-Tunisi Ibn al‐Raqqam Al-Ashraf Umar II Fakhr al-Din al-Akhlati 14th Ibn al-Shatir Al-Khalili Ibn Shuayb al-Battiwi Abū al‐ʿUqūl Al-Wabkanawi Nizam al-Din al-Nisapuri al-Jadiri Sadr al-Shari'a al-Asghar Fathullah Shirazi 15th Ali Kuşçu Abd al‐Wajid Jamshid al-Kashi Kadızade Rumi Ulugh Beg Sibt al-Maridini Ibn al-Majdi al-Wafa'i al-Kubunani 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Wafa'i 16th Al-Birjandi al-Khafri Baha' al-din al-'Amili Piri Reis Takiyüddin 17th Yang Guangxian Ehmedê Xanî Al Achsasi al Mouakket Muhammad al-Rudani Topics Works Arabic star names Islamic calendar Aja'ib al-Makhluqat Encyclopedia of the Brethren of Purity Tabula Rogeriana The Book of Healing The Remaining Signs of Past Centuries Zij Ez-Zîcü'l-Mümtehan [tr] Alfonsine tables Huihui Lifa Book of Fixed Stars Toledan Tables Zij-i Ilkhani Zij-i Sultani Sullam al-sama' Instruments Alidade Analog computer Aperture Armillary sphere Astrolabe Astronomical clock Celestial globe Compass Compass rose Dioptra Equatorial ring Equatorium Globe Graph paper Mural instrument Navigational astrolabe Octant Planisphere Quadrant Sextant Shadow square Sundial Schema for horizontal sundials Triquetrum Concepts Almucantar Apogee Astrology Astrophysics Axial tilt Azimuth Celestial mechanics Celestial spheres Circular orbit Deferent and epicycle Earth's rotation Eccentricity Ecliptic Elliptic orbit Equant Galaxy Geocentrism Gravitational energy Gravity Heliocentrism Inertia Islamic cosmology Moonlight Multiverse Muwaqqit Obliquity Parallax Precession Qibla Salah times Specific gravity Spherical Earth Sublunary sphere Sunlight Supernova Temporal finitism Trepidation Triangulation Tusi couple Universe Institutions Al-Azhar University House of Knowledge House of Wisdom University of al-Qarawiyyin Observatories Constantinople (Taqi al-Din) Maragheh Samarkand (Ulugh Beg) Influences Babylonian astronomy Egyptian astronomy Hellenistic astronomy Indian astronomy Influenced Byzantine science Chinese astronomy Medieval European science Indian astronomy v t e Mathematics in the medieval Islamic world Mathematicians 9th century 'Abd al-Hamīd ibn Turk Sanad ibn Ali al-Jawharī Al-Ḥajjāj ibn Yūsuf Al-Kindi Qusta ibn Luqa Al-Mahani al-Dinawari Banū Mūsā brothers Hunayn ibn Ishaq Al-Khwarizmi Yusuf al-Khuri Ishaq ibn Hunayn Na'im ibn Musa Thābit ibn Qurra al-Marwazi Abu Said Gorgani 10th century Abu al-Wafa al-Khazin Al-Qabisi Abu Kamil Ahmad ibn Yusuf Aṣ-Ṣaidanānī Sinān ibn al-Fatḥ al-Khojandi Al-Nayrizi Al-Saghani Brethren of Purity Ibn Sahl Ibn Yunus al-Uqlidisi Al-Battani Sinan ibn Thabit Ibrahim ibn Sinan Al-Isfahani Nazif ibn Yumn al-Qūhī Abu al-Jud Al-Sijzi Al-Karaji al-Majriti al-Jabali 11th century Abu Nasr Mansur Alhazen Kushyar Gilani Al-Biruni Ibn al-Samh Abu Mansur al-Baghdadi Avicenna al-Jayyānī al-Nasawī al-Zarqālī ibn Hud Al-Isfizari Omar Khayyam Muhammad al-Baghdadi 12th century Jabir ibn Aflah Al-Kharaqī Al-Khazini Al-Samawal al-Maghribi al-Hassar Sharaf al-Din al-Tusi Ibn al-Yasamin 13th century Ibn al‐Ha'im al‐Ishbili Ahmad al-Buni Ibn Munim Alam al-Din al-Hanafi Ibn Adlan al-Urdi Nasir al-Din al-Tusi al-Abhari Muhyi al-Din al-Maghribi al-Hasan al-Marrakushi Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi Shams al-Din al-Samarqandi Ibn al-Banna' Kamāl al-Dīn al-Fārisī 14th century Nizam al-Din al-Nisapuri Ibn al-Shatir Ibn al-Durayhim Al-Khalili al-Umawi 15th century Ibn al-Majdi al-Rūmī al-Kāshī Ulugh Beg Ali Qushji al-Wafa'i al-Qalaṣādī Sibt al-Maridini Ibn Ghazi al-Miknasi 16th century Al-Birjandi Muhammad Baqir Yazdi Taqi ad-Din Ibn Hamza al-Maghribi Mathematical works The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing De Gradibus Principles of Hindu Reckoning Book of Optics The Book of Healing Book on the Measurement of Plane and Spherical Figures Encyclopedia of the Brethren of Purity Toledan Tables Tabula Rogeriana Zij Concepts Alhazen's problem Islamic geometric patterns Centers Al-Azhar University Al-Mustansiriya University House of Knowledge House of Wisdom Constantinople observatory of Taqi ad-Din Madrasa Maragheh observatory University of al-Qarawiyyin Influences Babylonian mathematics Greek mathematics Indian mathematics Influenced Byzantine mathematics European mathematics Indian mathematics Related Hindu–Arabic numeral system Arabic numerals (Eastern Arabic numerals, Western Arabic numerals) Trigonometric functions History of trigonometry History of algebra v t e Mathematics in Iran Mathematicians Before 20th Century Abu al-Wafa' Buzjani Jamshid al-Kashi (al-Kashi's theorem) Omar Khayyam (Khayyam-Pascal's triangle, Khayyam-Saccheri quadrilateral, Khayyam's Solution of Cubic Equations) Al-Mahani Muhammad Baqir Yazdi Nizam al-Din al-Nisapuri Al-Nayrizi Kushyar Gilani Ayn al-Quzat Hamadani Al-Isfahani Al-Isfizari Al-Khwarizmi (Al-Jabr) Najm al-Din al-Qazwini al-Katibi Nasir al-Din al-Tusi Al-Biruni Modern Maryam Mirzakhani Caucher Birkar Sara Zahedi Farideh Firoozbakht (Firoozbakht's conjecture) S. L. Hakimi (Havel–Hakimi algorithm) Siamak Yassemi Freydoon Shahidi (Langlands–Shahidi method) Hamid Naderi Yeganeh Esmail Babolian Ramin Takloo-Bighash Lotfi A. Zadeh (Fuzzy mathematics, Fuzzy set, Fuzzy logic) Ebadollah S. Mahmoodian Reza Sarhangi (The Bridges Organization) Siavash Shahshahani Gholamhossein Mosaheb Amin Shokrollahi Mohammad Mehdi Zahedi Mohsen Hashtroodi Hossein Zakeri Amir Ali Ahmadi Prize Recipients Fields Medal Maryam Mirzakhani (2014) Caucher Birkar (2018) EMS Prize Sara Zahedi (2016) Satter Prize Maryam Mirzakhani (2013) Organizations Iranian Mathematical Society Institutions Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences v t e Geography and cartography in the medieval Islamic world Geographers 9th century Al-Khwarizmi Abu Hanifa Dinawari Ya'qubi Sulaiman al-Tajir 10th century Ibn Khordadbeh Ahmad ibn Rustah Ahmad ibn Fadlan Abu Zayd al-Balkhi Abu Muhammad al-Hasan al-Hamdani Al-Masudi Istakhri Khashkhash Ibn Saeed Ibn Aswad Ibn Hawqal Ibn al-Faqih Al-Muqaddasi Buzurg ibn Shahriyar Qudama ibn Ja'far 11th century Al-Biruni Abu Saʿīd Gardēzī Al-Bakri Mahmud al-Kashgari Domiyat 12th century al-Zuhri Muhammad al-Idrisi Abu'l Abbas al-Hijazi 13th century Ibn Jubayr Saadi Shirazi Yaqut al-Hamawi Ibn Said al-Maghribi Ibn al-Nafis Ibn al-Mujawir 14th century Al-Dimashqi Abu'l-Fida Ibn al-Wardi Hamdallah Mustawfi Ibn Battuta Lin Nu 15th century Abd-al-Razzāq Samarqandī Ghiyāth al-dīn Naqqāsh Ahmad ibn Mājid Zheng He Ma Huan Fei Xin 16th century Sulaiman Al Mahri Piri Reis Mir Ahmed Nasrallah Thattvi Amīn Rāzī 17th century Evliya Çelebi Works Book of Roads and Kingdoms (al-Bakrī) Book of Roads and Kingdoms (ibn Khordadbeh) Tabula Rogeriana Kitab al-Rawd al-Mitar Mu'jam al-Buldan Rihla The Meadows of Gold Piri Reis map Kitab al-Kharaj Influences Geography (Ptolemy) v t e People of Khorasan Scientists Abu Hatam Isfizari Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi Abu Wafa Abu Ubayd Juzjani Abu Zayd Balkhi Alfraganus Ali Qushji Avicenna Birjandi Biruni Hasib Marwazi Ibn Hayyan Abu Ja'far al-Khazin Khazini Khojandi Khwarizmi Nasawi Nasir al-Din al-Tusi Omar Khayyam Sharaf al-Din al-Tusi Sijzi Philosophers Algazel Amiri Avicenna Farabi Haji Bektash Veli Nasir Khusraw Sijistani Shahrastani Islamic scholars Abu Dawud al-Sijistani Abu Barakat Nasafi Abu Hanifa Abu Hafs Nasafi Abu Layth Samarqandi Abu Mu'in Nasafi Abu Qasim Samarqandi Ansari Baghavi Bayhaqi Bazdawi Bukhari Dabusi Fatima Samarqandi Ghazali Ghaznawi Hakim Tirmidhi Hakim Nishapuri Ibn Hibban Ibn Mubarak Ishaq ibn Rahwayh Ibn Tayfour Sajawandi Juwayni Kasani Kashifi Lamishi Marghinani Maturidi Mulla al-Qari Muqatil Muslim Nasa'i Qushayri Razi Sabuni Sajawandi Sarakhsi Shaykh Tusi Taftazani Tha'labi Nishapuri Tirmidhi Yahya ibn Adam Zamakhshari Poets and artists Abu Sa'id Abu'l-Khayr Anvari Aruzi Samarqandi Asadi Tusi Attar Nishapuri Behzad Daqiqi Farrukhi Sistani Ferdowsi Jami Kashifi Nasir Khusraw Rabia Balkhi Rudaki Rumi Sanā'ī Historians and political figures Abu'l-Fadl Bayhaqi Abu'l-Hasan Isfarayini Abu'l-Ma'ali Nasrallah Abu Muslim Khorasani Gardizi Ali-Shir Nava'i Ata-Malik Juvayni Aufi Abu Ali Bal'ami Gawhar Shad Ibn Khordadbeh Khalid ibn Barmak Minhaj al-Siraj Juzjani Nizam al-Mulk Tahir ibn Husayn Yahya Barmaki Ahmad ibn Nizam al-Mulk Shihab al-Nasawi Portals: Biography Iran Astronomy Stars Outer space Science

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND FAST WorldCat National United States France BnF data Italy Czech Republic Spain Netherlands Norway Latvia Sweden Poland Vatican Israel Catalonia Academics CiNii zbMATH MathSciNet People Trove Deutsche Biographie DDB Other IdRef Open Library SNAC İslâm Ansiklopedisi Yale LUX

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Al-Biruni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Biruni) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Biruni?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.