By Dr Beruniy Alimov
Tashkent, Uzbekistan（London Post ）- Abu Rayhon Beruni (973–1048), one of the most brilliant polymaths of the medieval Islamic world, stands as a towering figure in the history of global science. His scholarly corpus, spanning mathematics, astronomy, geodesy, mineralogy, pharmacology, ethnography, and history, is not merely an archive of medieval intellectual curiosity—it is a foundational contribution to empirical scientific method, interdisciplinary knowledge, and comparative cultural research. The importance of Beruni’s works has continued to resonate through centuries, influencing scholars from the Renaissance to modern scientific disciplines. His legacy demonstrates how knowledge rooted in observation, measurement, and critical reasoning can transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.
Bridging Observation and Theory: Beruni’s Scientific Method
One of Beruni’s most significant contributions lies in his methodological approach. In works such as al-Qanun al-Mas‘udi (The Mas‘udic Canon) and Tahqiq ma li-l-Hind (Researches on India), he employed direct observation, measurement, experimentation, and comparative analysis – long before these became standard components of modern scientific inquiry. Beruni questioned inherited knowledge and emphasized verification through empirical evidence. His calculation of the Earth’s radius using trigonometric measurements from a mountain peak remains a landmark example of scientific ingenuity, achieving extraordinary accuracy for his time. This rigorous methodology set a precedent for future scholars and demonstrated the capacity of the medieval Islamic scientific tradition to produce groundbreaking empirical research.
A Universal Vision of Knowledge
Beruni’s scholarly productivity cannot be confined to a single field. His works show an integrated vision of knowledge, where astronomy intersects with mathematics, geography with culture, and natural sciences with humanities. In Kitab al-Saidana (The Book of Pharmacy), Beruni meticulously catalogued medicinal plants, minerals, and drugs, combining botanical observation with medical practice. In al-Jamahir fi Ma‘rifat al-Jawahir (The Book of Precious Stones), he systematized mineralogical data and proposed methods for identifying and understanding physical properties. These works show that Beruni possessed a remarkably modern view of scientific classification: he developed clear criteria, terminology, and comparative descriptions that greatly contributed to the systematization of natural sciences.
Cultural Curiosity and Comparative Scholarship
Another crucial contribution of Beruni’s scholarly legacy is his unparalleled work in comparative culture and ethnography. Tahqiq ma li-l-Hind, often referred to as one of the earliest and most advanced anthropological texts in world literature, presents Indian science, philosophy, religion, and social traditions with exceptional accuracy, objectivity, and empathy. Beruni’s method was to learn local languages, study primary sources, and observe everyday practices – an approach consistent with modern ethnographic standards.
Influence Across Civilizations and Eras
Beruni’s legacy extends far beyond Khwarezm and the medieval Islamic world. His astronomical and mathematical treatises were studied in Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Central Asia for centuries. During the European Renaissance, translations of his works contributed to the revival of scientific curiosity. Modern scholars view Beruni as a bridge between ancient Greek science, Islamic scholarship, and the early foundations of global scientific methodology.
A Legacy of Intellectual Integrity for the Modern World
Beyond their scientific value, Beruni’s writings embody ethical principles essential for modern scholarship. His insistence on intellectual honesty, critical thinking, and respect for cultural diversity remains a model for contemporary scientific and journalistic practice. Moreover, his works reinforce Uzbekistan’s deep historical connection to global scientific heritage.
Conclusion
The scholarly heritage of Abu Rayhon Beruni remains one of the most valuable treasures of world scientific culture. His works demonstrate that science is most powerful when grounded in observation, interdisciplinary thinking, cultural openness, and intellectual humility. A millennium after his lifetime, Beruni continues to influence modern scientific paradigms and inspire new generations of thinkers. His legacy is not only an academic artifact – it is a living tradition that shapes scientific inquiry, intercultural understanding, and human intellectual progress.
By Dr Beruniy Alimov is Director, New Media Education Center NGO
INPS Japan