The life and works of one of the most influential astronomers of the Muslim world will be appraised at the next public lecture to be staged by Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization (CMCC) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies (CIS), entitled ‘Ibrahim Al-Zarqali’s Contribution to Astronomy’.  

Delivered by professors Emilia Calvo Labarta and Rosa Comes from the Faculty of Philology at the University of Barcelona, the lecture will consider Arzachel’s – as Al-Zarqali was known to the Latin world – invention of the water clock, as well as his perfection of the astrolabe and correction of Ptolemy and Al-Khwarizmi's geographical data. The event will also look at how Copernicus' heliocentricism employed Al-Zarqali's model of the sun's motion. Proceedings will conclude with a brief question and answer session.

Speaking ahead of the lecture, Dr. Aisha Al-Mannai, director at CMCC, CIS, said: “We’re looking forward to holding another public event that resonates with our commitment to creating awareness among the public and academia about Muslim scholars and scientists who made ground breaking discoveries in various fields and contributed significantly to the forward march of human civilization. The fact that one of the Moon’s craters carries the name Abu Ishaq al-Zarqali should tell you that his contribution to astronomy has echoed through the ages. It’s by no means an exaggeration to say that this important Muslim astronomer has left an indelible mark on modern science. There’s no time like the present to celebrate his remarkable life and achievements.”

The ‘Ibrahim Al-Zarqali’s Contribution to Astronomy’ public lecture will take place from 12:30pm to 2:30pm on October 22 at the Auditorium, Minaretein (College of Islamic Studies) Building, Education City. The colloquium will be held in Arabic and English. 

CMCC abides by the mandate to increase language accessibility of major works in the Muslim world. CIS, as its hosting institution, regularly organizes public lectures and conferences to promote a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Islam among the wider community. 

For more information, please visit hbku.edu.qa