During the Almoravid and Almohad periods, Morocco witnessed an exceptional scientific radiance in the fields of mathematics and astronomy. A number of brilliant Moroccan scholars emerged during this time, contributing to the development of these sciences and leaving an impact on both the Islamic world and Europe. This period was marked by the flourishing of mathematical and astronomical sciences, largely due to Andalusian migrations that helped transfer knowledge and strengthen its presence in Morocco. As a result, the country became a scientific center of considerable importance.
In this article, we will review the most important achievements and contributions made by Moroccan scholars during these two periods, highlighting the main names and works that influenced the development of science in Morocco and beyond.
Contributions of Moroccan Scholars to Mathematics and Astronomy during the Almoravid and Almohad Periods
Morocco experienced a major scientific revival during the Almoravid and Almohad eras, especially in mathematics and astronomy. This revival was strongly influenced by Andalusian migrations, which played a major role in laying the foundations of this scientific excellence.
Moroccan scholars had a central role in spreading and developing these sciences. Among the prominent names was Malik ibn Wahib, who was a jurist, judge, and scientific adviser to Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf ibn Tashfin. He was among the scholars who gave special attention to mathematics.[1]
The Almohad Era: A Scientific Awakening
During the Almohad period, algebra, arithmetic, and number theory flourished. Important names appeared, such as Abu Bakr al-Hassar, author of several significant works, including Al-Bayan wa al-Tidhkar fi ‘Ilm Masa’il al-Ghubar, Al-Kamil fi Sina‘at al-‘Adad, and Al-Kitab al-Saghir.
Another major figure was the scholar Ibn al-Yasamin al-Fasi, who excelled in geometry, logic, astrology, and arithmetic. His works included Rajaz fi al-Jabr and Talqih al-Afkar.[2]
Ibn al-Mun‘im al-‘Abdari also founded a new branch in Arabic mathematics, known today as combinatorial analysis. In his book Fiqh al-Hisab, he studied the number of words that could be formed from the letters of the Arabic alphabet, taking into account vowels and consonants.[3]
The Flourishing of Astronomical Sciences in Morocco
Astronomy also held an important place in Morocco. A Moroccan astronomical school became active during the 11th and 12th centuries, focusing on observation, calculations, and the making of astronomical instruments.
Among the most prominent astronomers of this period was Ibn Bajja al-Tujibi, who excelled in many sciences and had a major influence in the Islamic West.[4]
Ibn Tufayl, Ibn Rushd, and Nur al-Din al-Bitruji were also among the scholars who continued the development of astronomical thought. Al-Bitruji proposed a non-Ptolemaic astronomical system that had an important influence on the European Renaissance.[5]
The Continuation of Scientific Excellence until the Seventeenth Century
Moroccan mathematical excellence did not stop with the Almohad period. It continued until the seventeenth century with the appearance of Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Rudani, who became a leading figure in astronomical writings and in the invention of instruments related to timekeeping.
Al-Rudani became famous for his works, which are considered among the major books in this field.[6]
Despite the scarcity of sources dealing with the biographies of scholars in this field, and despite the limited attention given to the manuscripts they produced, Moroccan scholars’ interest in mathematics and arithmetic was rooted in their connection to religious and legal applications. These sciences were considered noble disciplines because they helped in understanding religious obligations and practices, in addition to their worldly uses.
Astronomical Sciences in Modern Moroccan History
Moroccan interest in astronomy and timekeeping continued until the period of foreign protection. Among the figures who stood out was Muhammad ibn Abd Allah al-Muwaqqit al-Marrakushi, who wrote Majmu‘at al-Yawaqit al-‘Asriyya in 1930. This work is considered one of the pioneering writings in the field of timekeeping.[8]
In conclusion, despite the decline that these sciences experienced during certain periods, the contributions of Moroccan scholars to mathematics and astronomy during the Almoravid and Almohad eras formed an important landmark in the history of science. They left a lasting mark on the scientific revival of both the Islamic and European worlds.
References
[1] Al-Sallabi, Ali, Al-Jawhar al-Thamin bi-Ma‘rifat Dawlat al-Murabitin, Dar al-Tawzi‘ wa al-Nashr al-Islamiyya, Cairo, Egypt, first edition, 2003.
[2] Ibn Khaldun, Abd al-Rahman, Al-Muqaddimah, p. 473.
[3] Badawi, Abd al-Rahman, Mawsu‘at al-Falsafa, Part One, first edition, Beirut, Lebanon, p. 11.
[4] Al-Mahajja Magazine, Issue 416, “The Science of Timekeeping in the Far Maghreb: An Ancient Scientific Heritage in Need of Revival and Renewal,” March 17, 2014.
[5] Zamane Magazine, Arabic edition, May 2020 issue.
[6] Islah al-Falak al-Nazari fi al-Maghrib: Thawra am Thawra Mudadda; Al-‘Ilm wa al-Fikr al-‘Ilmi bi al-Gharb al-Islami fi al-‘Asr al-Wasit, Publications of the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Seminars and Debates Series No. 94, coordinated by Benaissa Baazati, first edition, Matba‘at al-Najah al-Jadida, Casablanca, 2001.
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