Revival of the institution of Islamic Observatory

Prof Dr Mohammad Ilyas

In 773 CE, the first astronomer-mathematician arrived at the Court of Caliph Mansur at Baghdad starting the flourishing of astronomy and allied sciences. However, the Sack of Baghdad by Hulagu Khan (1258 CE) followed by the colonization of the Islamic Empire in later times impacted the Institution of Islamic Observatory most significantly. Modern re-activation of the Islamic Observatory Institution was successfully undertaken in Malaysia with support by Dato Zakaria Bakar, then State Minister in Penang.

Prior to West’s scientific awakening, the entire spectrum of science (House of Wisdom or Baitul Hikmah was established in Baghdad by Caliph Al Mamun in 815 CE) and education (world’s first University, Al Qarawiyyin, was established in Morocco by Fatima Al Fihri in 859 CE) was in the hands of Muslims.

Muslims preserved works from ancient civilizations and further expanded on it. The practical astronomical needs gave impetus to develop sciences like mathematics, physics, space astronomy, computers and other areas like medicine, pharmacy, chemistry and instrumentation.

Demanding astronomy and observatory became the barometer of excellence.

After ‘Sack of Baghdad’, rebuilding of the scientific and astronomical base was given new impetus by the Muslim Empire: northwards in Turkey, westwards in Egypt, north-west Africa, southern Spain (Andalusia) and eastwards in Muslims India. However, conflict with Europe, weakening economies and subsequent colonization of Muslim lands resulted in the decline of learning and the institution of observatory.

On an Internationally competitive Fellowship, I joined Adelaide University Physics Department in the Rocket and Satellites research group. Recognising the need for re- vival of modern Islamic astronomy I moved to Malaysia to undertake this task.

Firstly, I established a modern mathematical foundation for Islamic astronomy. But a revival must incorporate the re-activation of the institution of Islamic Observatory first envisaged in Baghdad. Over the years, numerous expositions within Malaysia and overseas created wider appreciation for this institution.

Most significantly, for the Muslim World we received a major breakthrough in Ma- laysia through the support by Dato Zakaria Bakar, the then State Minister for Islamic Affairs in Penang. The charismatic Minister quickly recognised the need and was swift in transforming the vision to reality in the form of Sheikh Tahir Astronomical Centre.

During this process, he reminded me of great Mughal Court poet Mirza Ghalib’s famous couplet (kehte hen ke Ghalib ka he … aur): people say that his style is very different.

I believe, the Oenang Observatory Centre became the first such setup in modern times based on Islamic needs and a model of collaboration between religious, political, and scientific establishments.

Seen as a ‘breath of fresh air’ in the Muslim World, it received international importance and appreciation at one of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly and at many more forums and served as catalyst for others.

For his ground breaking initiative and exquisite contribution, Dato Zakaria Bakar will be remembered and rewording opening lines of ‘Lamhe’, we could say (wo lamhe, wo pal, hum barson yaad karenge): Those moments, those times will be remembered for years to come.

It is appropriate for some Islamic Educational Colleges in Australia also try establish observatories.

Prof Ilyas taught physics at Adelaide University, in Malaysia revived modern global Islamic Astronomy, published numerous books, recognized in Noble Peace Prize 2007 to IPCC .