Biography of Ibn Haitham
His full name is Abu Ali Muhammad Al Hassan Ibn Al Haitsam, He was born in
Bashrah, one of the cities in Iraq in 354 H/965 A.D. Ibn Haitsam is sometimes
called al-Bashri, this name is believed to be his hometown in Basra, Iraq.
In the Western world, Ibn Haitham is known by several names such as Alhazen,
Avennathan and Avenetan, but better known as Alhazen (in Latin), this is given
to the name in front of him is al-Hassan. He did a lot of research on lamps. His
name became famous in Egypt, when Islamic rule was ruled by Caliph Al-Hakim
(996 - 1020 AD).
Ibn Haitham laid the foundation of optical knowledge in the Middle Ages.
During his lifetime, Ibn Haitham produced more than 100 titles, including 50 in
mathematics, 14 in optics, 23 in astronomy, and other topics. In earlier eras,
Greek philosophers were more interested in the theory of vision. However, this
theory was rejected by Ibn Haitham by presenting a new paradigm of optical
theory. Ibn Haitham divided optics into two parts: first the geometric theory of
vision, eye physiology and perception, and the second about optics and
physical optics.
Ibn Haitham was a Muslim scholar who studied optics with high quality and
systematic research. His achievements and successes are so spectacular,. Ibn
Haitham was the first scholar to discover important data about light. One of his
most phenomenal works is Kitab Al-Manazir The Book of Optics which he
compiled in 1028. In the book, he described various light phenomena including
the human visual system. It has become the most important reference book in
optics. For more than 500 years books have been used as handles. In 1572 AD,
Kitab Al-Manadzir was translated into Latin Opticae Thesaurus. In it, he
explores his ideas about light. The Muslim scientist believed that the rays of
light came out of a straight line from every point on the luminous surface. In
addition, Ibn Haitham solved the mystery of the trajectory of light through
various media through a series of experiments with a high degree of precision.
Kitab al-Manadzir was translated and published in Europe starting in the 13th
, century. The book consists of 7 volumes. Volume 1 explains the theory of
vision, light and its dispersion 10, eye anatomy, the sensation of light
propagation in the eye. Volume 2 explains visual perception, the psychology of
visual perception and optical illusion. He was the first to suggest that vision
occurs in the brain and not in the eyes. He also argued that a person's personal
experience can affect what he sees, so vision and perception are subjective. In
volumes 3-6, Ibn Haitham explains the reflection of light, the mathematical
theory of reflection, and reflection by mirrors.
Education of Ibn Haitham
Ibn Haitham received his first education in his homeland of Basra, Iraq.
Growing up, he began his career as a government employee in Basra.
However, Ibn Haitham was more interested in gaining knowledge than being a
government employee. After that, he migrated to Ahwaz 16 and the
intellectual metropolis of the world at that time, the city of Baghdad. In both
cities he gained various knowledge. From his high enthusiasm and knowledge
brought him stranded to Egypt. Ibn Haitham also studied at al-Azhar University
which was founded by the Fatimid Caliphate.
The Life Journey of Ibn Haitham
Since childhood, Ibn Haitham had more genius abilities to study in his
homeland. He started his career as a government employee in Basra. But he
apparently did not feel at home for a long career in the world of bureaucracy.
Ibn Haitham, who was more interested in studying, finally decided to quit as a
government employee. Ibn Haitham grew up in a family familiar with the world
of science. His love of science led him to emigrate to Egypt to continue his
education at Al-Azhar University. He then chose to migrate to Ahwaz as the
intellectual center of the world at that time, namely the city of Baghdad. In
both cities he gained various knowledge. With his high scientific spirit brought
him all the way to Egypt. Actually, Ibn Haitsam migrated to Cairo at the
invitation of the 6th Fatimid Caliph Abu Ali Mansur Tariqul Hakim or better
known as Al-Hakim bi Amirullah. 18 The purpose of the invitation of the
Fatimid Dynasty was to take advantage of the knowledge possessed by Ibn
Haitsam. It is hoped that he will be able to overcome the floods of the Nile that
often hit the country every year. Ibn Haitham spent most of his time in Cairo.
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