Planets (As-Sayyārah - السيارة)
Definition and Etymology
Planets in Arabic are referred to as as-sayyārah (السيارة), which means “the wandering stars” to distinguish them from the fixed stars, known as an-Najūmu ʾs̤-s̤awābit (النجوم الثوابت).
Islamic Cosmology and Planetary Order
According to Arabic writers, seven planets are categorized under the collective term an-Najūmu ʾs-Sayyārāt (النجوم السيارات). These planets are thought to be situated in the seven firmaments, arranged as follows:
- Al-Qamar (القمر) - The Moon
- ʿUt̤ārid (عطارد) - Mercury
- Zuhrah (الزهرة) - Venus
- Ash-Shams (الشمس) - The Sun
- Al-Mirrīk͟h (المريخ) - Mars
- Al-Mushtarī (المشتري) - Jupiter
- Zuḥal (زحل) - Saturn
Ptolemaic Influence
The planetary arrangement in Islamic cosmology shows significant influence from Ptolemy’s geocentric model. Ptolemy placed Earth at the universe’s center, with the following order of planetary bodies based on their synodic periods:
- The Moon: With a synodic period of 29½ days, the Moon’s proximity to Earth is due to its shorter revolution time.
- Mercury: Has a conjunction period of approximately 116 days.
- Venus: Periodic time is about 584 days.
- The Sun
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn: Followed by the fixed stars beyond.
Cultural and Scientific Context
The Islamic adaptation of Ptolemaic cosmology reflects both the synthesis of ancient scientific knowledge and its contextual reinterpretation within Islamic intellectual traditions. This representation is further elaborated in classical Islamic texts such as the Kashshāf-i-Iṣt̤ilaḥāt.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: سيارة (Sayyārah), كواكب سيّارة (Kawākib Sayyārah - Wandering stars)
- Turkish: Gezegenler (Planets)
Suggested Books for Further Research
- “A History of Islamic Astronomy” by George Saliba
- “Astronomy in the Near East and Ancient Greece” by David Pingree
- “The Influence of the Arabian Nights on Western Literature” by Charles Burnett
Takeaways
- As-sayyārah (السيارة) signifies the Islamic conceptualization of planets as distinct wandering bodies in the heavens, as opposed to fixed stars.
- The Islamic understanding of planetary arrangement mirrors Ptolemaic cosmology’s influence.
- The synthesis of scientific knowledge from various traditions underscores the dynamic and integrative nature of Islamic intellectual history.
Conclusion
Understanding the Islamic concept of planets (as-sayyārah) not only provides insight into the cosmological views of Islamic scholars but also reveals the rich tradition of intellectual synthesis that characterized Islamic contributions to science and astronomy.
By delving into the Islamic cosmological perspectives, one can appreciate the historical and cultural advancements achieved within the Islamic world. The blend of scientific inquiry and religious thought continues to illustrate the unique and profound ways in which Islamic scholars approached the understanding of the universe.
