Ibn Rushd
Full Name: Abu al-Walid Muhammad
ibn Ahmad ibn Rushd
Born: April 14, 1126,
Cordoba, al-Andalus, Almoravid Emirate [present-day Spain]
Died: December 10, 1198
[aged 72], Marrakesh, Maghreb, Almohad Caliphate [present-day Morocco][Arabic]
Early Life
Born in 1128 CE in Cordoba, Abu al-Walid Muhammad ibn Rushd is
regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and scientists in history. A product
of 12th-century Islamic Spain, he attempted to integrate Aristotelian
philosophy with Islamic thought. A common theme throughout his writings is that
there is no conflict between religion and philosophy when both are properly
understood.
Contributions and Achievements
Ibn Rushd’s education followed the traditional path, beginning
with studies in Hadith, linguistics, jurisprudence, and scholastic theology. Throughout
his life he wrote extensively on philosophy and religion, the attributes of
God, the origin of the universe, metaphysics, and psychology. But he excelled
in philosophy and jurisprudence, and he was given the nickname
“jurist-philosopher.” The role of the philosopher in the state was a subject of
constant interest for Ibn Rushd.
Ibn Rushd also made remarkable contributions to medicine. His
famous book on medicine, _Kitab al-Kulliyat fi al-Tibb_ [General Principles of
Medicine], was written before 1162 CE. Its Latin translation became known as
_Colliget_. In it, Ibn Rushd highlights various aspects of medicine, including
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, along with many original
observations.
He wrote at least 67 original works, including 28 on philosophy,
20 on medicine, 8 on law, 5 on theology, and 4 on grammar, in addition to his
commentaries on most of Aristotle’s works and his commentary on Plato’s _The
Republic_.
At the age of 25, Ibn Rushd made astronomical observations in
Morocco, during which he discovered a previously unseen star. He also held the
view that the Moon is opaque and dark, and that some parts of it are thicker
than others, and that the thicker parts receive more light from the Sun than
the thinner parts of the Moon. He also gave the first description of sunspots.
Ibn Rushd also made remarkable contributions to medicine. His
famous book on medicine, _Kitab al-Kulliyat fi al-Tibb_, was written before
1162 CE. Its Latin translation was known as _Colliget_.
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