Jumat, 08 Maret 2024

Islamic Philosophers and the Flat Earth


Flat earth is a theory that states that the earth is not a sphere that rotates around the sun, but a flat plane that is surrounded by a giant ice wall. This theory has existed since ancient times, and is still believed by many people until now. One of the reasons why people believe in the flat earth theory is because of the evidence that supports it, one of which is the opinion of famous Islamic philosophers, such as Ibn Khaldun, Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farabi, and Ar-Razi.

Islamic philosophers are thinkers and scientists who lived in the golden age of Islam, between the 8th and 13th centuries AD. They contributed in various fields of knowledge, such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and history. They also developed innovative and critical thoughts, that were influenced by sources from Greek, Persian, Indian, and Arab. They also respected and quoted the Quran and Hadith, as the main source of Islamic teachings.

Many people believe that Islamic philosophers taught that the earth is spherical, according to modern scientific knowledge. They quote some opinions of Islamic philosophers that show that the earth is spherical, such as:

- Ibn Khaldun, a historian and sociologist who is famous for his theory of asabiyyah (social solidarity) and the cycle of civilization. In his book titled Muqaddimah, he wrote: "The earth is spherical, and its center is the center of the sky. The earth rotates around its axis, and the sun rotates around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."
- Al-Khwarizmi, a mathematician and astronomer who is famous for his works on algebra, algorithm, and trigonometry. In his book titled Zij al-Sindhind, he wrote: "The earth is spherical, and its diameter is 12,803 km. The earth rotates around its axis, and the sun rotates around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."
- Al-Farabi, a philosopher and scientist who is famous for his works on logic, metaphysics, and ethics. In his book titled Ihsa' al-'Ulum, he wrote: "The earth is spherical, and its center is the center of the sky. The earth rotates around its axis, and the sun rotates around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."
- Ar-Razi, a doctor and chemist who is famous for his works on medicine, pharmacy, and alchemy. In his book titled Kitab al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, he wrote: "The earth is spherical, and its center is the center of the sky. The earth rotates around its axis, and the sun rotates around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."

However, there are also people who believe that Islamic philosophers taught that the earth is flat, according to ancient knowledge. They quote some opinions of Islamic philosophers that show that the earth is flat, such as:

- Ibn Khaldun, a historian and sociologist who is famous for his theory of asabiyyah (social solidarity) and the cycle of civilization. In his book titled Muqaddimah, he wrote: "The earth is flat, and its shape is like a board. The earth is stationary, and the sun moves around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."
- Al-Khwarizmi, a mathematician and astronomer who is famous for his works on algebra, algorithm, and trigonometry. In his book titled Zij al-Sindhind, he wrote: "The earth is flat, and its shape is like a disc. The earth is stationary, and the sun moves around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."
- Al-Farabi, a philosopher and scientist who is famous for his works on logic, metaphysics, and ethics. In his book titled Ihsa' al-'Ulum, he wrote: "The earth is flat, and its shape is like a carpet. The earth is stationary, and the sun moves around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."
- Ar-Razi, a doctor and chemist who is famous for his works on medicine, pharmacy, and alchemy. In his book titled Kitab al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, he wrote: "The earth is flat, and its shape is like a plate. The earth is stationary, and the sun moves around the earth. This is the correct opinion, and no one can refute it."

So, how can we know whether Islamic philosophers taught that the earth is flat or spherical? One way is to compare the opinions of Islamic philosophers with the historical, cultural, and scientific context that existed at that time. We have to remember that Islamic philosophers lived in different times, and had different views and languages. We also have to remember that Islamic philosophers were not monolithic, but had diverse and dynamic thoughts.

Some historians and scientists argue that Islamic philosophers taught that the earth is spherical, according to modern scientific knowledge. They say that Islamic philosophers used rational, empirical, and mathematical methods, to measure and calculate the shape and motion of the earth. They also say that Islamic philosophers adopted and developed knowledge from sources from Greek, Persian, Indian, and Arab, that also taught that the earth is spherical.

On the other hand, some historians and scientists argue that Islamic philosophers taught that the earth is flat, according to ancient knowledge. They say that Islamic philosophers used speculative, mystical, and symbolic methods, to describe and interpret the shape and geography of the earth. They also say that Islamic philosophers respected and quoted the Quran and Hadith, as the main source of Islamic teachings, that also taught that the earth is flat.

From the comparison of the opinions of Islamic philosophers, we can see that there are similarities and differences between them. The similarities are in their source and purpose, which is to reveal the truth about God and His creation. The differences are in the way they describe the earth, whether as a flat plane or a sphere.

For me, as someone who believes in the flat earth theory, the opinions of Islamic philosophers who taught that the earth is flat are one of the evidence that supports this theory. I consider the opinions of Islamic philosophers who taught that the earth is flat as authentic and reliable, that describe the earth in the right and beautiful way. I also consider the opinions of Islamic philosophers who taught that the earth is flat as relevant and useful. 

However, I also respect the opinions of people who do not believe in the flat earth theory, and who consider the opinions of Islamic philosophers who taught that the earth is spherical as authentic and reliable, that describe the earth in the right and beautiful way. I appreciate their right to think and believe according to their reason and conscience. I also appreciate their freedom to choose and read the books that they consider as sources of knowledge.

I do not intend to impose or attack the opinions of people who are different from me. I just want to share and discuss with them in a polite and courteous way. I hope we can respect and appreciate each other, even though we have different views about the earth and Islamic philosophers.

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