ʿIlmu ʾl-Falak (علم الفلك): The Science of Astronomy in Islam
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: عِلْمُ الفلك (ʿIlmu ʾl-Falak)
- Turkish: Astronomi Bilimi
The term ʿIlmu ʾl-Falak (علم الفلك) literally translates to “science of the heavens” or “astronomy,” reflecting its focus on the study of celestial bodies and the universe.
Historical Significance
In Islamic culture, astronomy holds great historical and religious significance. It offered insights into the cosmos that aligned with the Ptolemaic geocentric model. This model positioned the Earth at the center of the universe, surrounded by seven wandering planets (nujūmu ʾs-saiyārāt) and fixed stars, reflecting medieval Islamic scholarly integration of Greek astronomy.
Planets and Their Names in Arabic
Here are the seven classical planets according to Islamic astronomical traditions, in the order presented by Ptolemy:
- Qamar (قمر) - Moon
- ʿUt̤ārid (عطارد) - Mercury
- Zuhrah (زهره) - Venus
- Shams (شمس) - Sun
- Mirrīk͟h (مريخ) - Mars
- Mushtarī (مشتري) - Jupiter
- Zuḥal (زحل) - Saturn
The Arabian Arrangement of Planets
The Arabian arrangement of the planets follows the Ptolemaic system:
- Qamar (Moon): Nearest to the Earth, with a synodic revolution of approximately 29.5 days.
- ʿUt̤ārid (Mercury): Completes its synodic period in 116 days.
- Zuhrah (Venus): Has a periodic time of 584 days.
- Shams (Sun)
- Mirrīk͟h (Mars)
- Mushtarī (Jupiter)
- Zuḥal (Saturn)
- Fixed Stars: Beyond Saturn.
Signs of the Zodiac (Mint̤aqatu ʾl-Burūj)
Islamic astronomy also encompasses twelve zodiac signs, reflecting details tied to astrological observations:
- Ḥamal (حمل) - Ram (Aries)
- S̤aur (ثور) - Bull (Taurus)
- Jauzāʾ (جوزاء) - Twins (Gemini)
- Sarat̤ān (سرطان) - Crab (Cancer)
- Asad (أسد) - Lion (Leo)
- Sunbalah (سنبل) - Virgin (Virgo)
- Mīzān (ميزان) - Scales (Libra)
- ʿAqrab (عقرب) - Scorpion (Scorpio)
- Qaus (قوس) - Archer (Sagittarius)
- Jady (جدي) - He-goat (Capricorn)
- Dalw (دلو) - Watering-pot (Aquarius)
- Ḥūt (حوت) - Fish (Pisces)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
For a deeper understanding of Islamic astronomy, consider these scholarly works:
- “Islamic Astronomy and Geography” by David A. King.
- “A History of Arabic Astronomy: Planetary Theories During the Golden Age of Islam” by George Saliba.
- “Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance” by George Saliba.
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
ʿIlmu ʾl-Falak illustrates the profound engagement of Islamic scholars with celestial phenomena, integrating Ptolemaic models and contributing to future astronomical advancements. Their work not only enriched scientific understanding but also connected Islamic rituals, like prayer times and lunar calendars, to intricate astronomical calculations.
By understanding ʿIlmu ʾl-Falak, we appreciate the deeply woven fabric of science, spirituality, and culture in historical Islamic scholarship.
