ʿILMU ʾN-NUJŪM (عـلـم النجوم)
Definition 📚
ʿILMU ʾN-NUJŪM (عـلـم النجوم) refers to the traditional Islamic science of astrology. It involves forecasting events of the present and future based on the positions and movements of stars and other celestial bodies. It is mentioned in “Kashfu ʾz̤-Z̤unūn,” a historical encyclopaedia on later Arabic-Islamic literature.
Etymology and Background 🌟
The term “ʿILMU ʾN-NUJŪM” is derived from Arabic, where ‘ilm means ‘science or knowledge,’ and ’nujūm’ means ‘stars.’ Historically, Islamic astrology was not only seen as a science but also an art form that intertwined with various aspects of everyday life, including agriculture, medicine, and politics.
Origins and Development
Astrology has deep roots in ancient Mesopotamian, Persian, and Greek societies, which significantly influenced Islamic scholars. During the Golden Age of Islam (8th to 14th century), Muslim scholars like Al-Kindi and Abu Ma’shar contributed extensively to the discipline, translating and further developing Greek and Indian astrological texts.
Cultural Differences and Similarities 🌏
Islamic astrology differs from Western astrology found in modern-day horoscopes through its foundation in classical Islamic cosmology. Unlike contemporaneous astrology practices, Islamic astrology often took a holistic approach and was interwoven with astronomical observations and other scientific fields.
Cultural Parallels
- Greek Astrology: Islamic astrology was profoundly influenced by the works of Greek scholars such as Ptolemy.
- Indian Jyotisha: Similarities exist in the principle of observation of celestial bodies influencing earthly events.
Synonyms and Antonyms 🌓
- Synonyms: Astrological Science, Celestial Cosmology
- Antonyms: Empirical Astronomy, Pure Science
Related Terms 🌠
Astronomy (علم الفَلَك)
- Definition: The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe.
Astrology (أَسْتُرُوجِيَا)
- Definition: A belief system that suggests a relationship between the positions of celestial bodies and events on Earth.
Exciting Facts ✨
- Astronomethic Influence: Scholars like Al-Biruni wrote about ʿILMU ʾN-NUJŪM not just as a predictive practice but linking it intricately with mathematics and empirical observations.
- Astronomical Advancements: Maragha and Samarkand observatories were foundational in the melding of astronomy and astrology, influencing European Renaissance astronomy.
Quotations from Notable Writers 📜
- “The heavenly movements not only serve as a means to establish a calendar but also to guide sailors in the sea and farmers on land.” – Al-Fragani
References 📖
For those keen to delve deeper, consider exploring works by early Islamic scholars and Western historians:
- “The History of Islamic Astronomy: Perspectives and Research” by David A. King
- “Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance” by George Saliba
- “The Astrology Book: The Encyclopedia of Heavenly Influences” by James R. Lewis
Suggest Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies 📚
- “The Oxford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Science, and Technology in Islam” by Ibrahim Kalin
- “Knowledge and the Sacred” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Classical Islam: A Sourcebook of Religious Literature” by Norman Calder
Quizzes For the Keen Learner 🎓
Embrace the celestial knowledge and connect with the cosmic wisdom of the past. Remember, the stars’ true significance lies not only in prediction but also in comprehending our place in the grand tapestry of the universe. 🌟
Farewell and may you always be guided by the stars.
- Leyla Al-Amra, 2023
