🔭 Illuminating the Stars: The Ancient Art of نجوم (Ilm al-Nujum)

Illuminating the Stars: The Ancient Art of نجوم (Ilm al-Nujum) 🌠

Definition

Astrology (Arabic: علم النجوم or علم الفلك) refers to the study of celestial bodies alleged to influence human affairs and natural phenomena. In early Arabic sources, ‘علم النجوم’ encompassed both astrology and astronomy. Over time, a clear distinction developed in medieval Islamic literature, splitting ‘ilm al-nujum’ (science of the stars, or astrology) and ‘ilm al-haya’ (science of the figure [of heavens], or astronomy).

🌟 Etymology & Background:

• Etymology: The term ‘علم النجوم’ (‘ilm al-nujum’) combines ‘علم’ (ilm) meaning “knowledge” and ‘النجوم’ (al-nujum) meaning “stars.”
• Roots: Rooted in Greek, Persian, and Indian traditions, Islamic astrology developed as a systematic study alongside extensive scientific knowledge, making it indispensable for astronomy’s growth.

Historical Facts and Dates

• 8th-9th centuries: Rise of Islamic Golden Age, which significantly advanced astronomical and astrological knowledge.
• 9th century: Translation movement in Baghdad under the Abbasid Caliphate, fostering the integration of Greek, Persian, and Indian texts.
• 10th century: Distinction between ‘ilm al-nujum’ (astrology) and ‘ilm al-haya’ (astronomy) became prevalent.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Mediterranean Region: Greek and Roman astrology, which shared similarities with Arabic science of stars.
• South Asia: Indian astrology, which significantly influenced Islamic astrological and astronomical traditions.
• Middle East to Spain: Spread of astrological knowledge through Arab scholars into European Renaissance.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Synonyms: علم الفلك (Ilm al-Falak), علم التنجيم (Ilm al-Tanjim)
• Related Terms:
  • علم الهيئة (Ilm al-Haya): The science of the arrangement of heavens, typically referring to astronomy.
  • زيج (Zij): Astronomical table used for astrological and navigational purposes.
  • بطليموس (Ptolemy): Influential Greco-Roman scholar whose work heavily impacted Islamic astrology and astronomy.

Exciting Facts

• Coexistence of Science and Faith: Although critiqued by Islamic scholars, astrology pushed scientific boundaries and contributed to mathematical and astronomical methodologies.
• Astrology in Everyday Life: Just like in other ancient cultures, early Muslim societies used astrological guidance in decision-making, from everyday life to governance.

Quotations from Notable Writers

1. Al-Biruni: “Astrology, while an ancient art dependent upon exact calculations, remains a bridge to our understanding of the cosmos.”
2. Ibn Sina: “The stars may incline us but do not compel; the human soul acts as the final judge.”

Further Literature and Sources for Study

• Works of Al-Biruni: Notable for his contributions to astronomical tables (Zij) and astrological charts.
• Translations of Greek Texts: Particularly those of Ptolemy’s Almagest and Tetrabiblos.
• Islamic Astrological Manuscripts: Found in vast libraries such as Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad.

Quizzes

Author’s Note: As we delve into the fields of نجوم and فلك, let us reflect on how these ancient studies connected cultures and drove human curiosity to understand the vast cosmos. Until further explorations, remain inspired by the stars!

Farewell, Layla Hasan October 3, 2023