Muslim Scientists
Al-Jazari: The Muslim Genius Who Laid the Foundations of Modern Robotics and Engineering
No surprise that Muslims founded one of the most astonishing civilizations in history, since the first revealed verse of the Qur’an was: اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ Read: In the Name of your Lord Who creates (96:1).
Islam teaches that Allah has honored humanity by making them His "vicegerent" on Earth, entrusting them with the prosperity and care of the universe.
(وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي
جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا
وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ
إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ﴾
[ البقرة: 30]
And [mention, O Muhammad], when
your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a
successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who
causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and
sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not
know."
So, serving humanity is a
fundamental goal of Islam. This is rooted in the principle that caring for all
of Allah's (God in Arabic) creation is a form of worship. quran states:
)يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن
ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ
أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ(
[ الحجرات: 13]
{O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.} [Al-Hujurat: 13]
Studying history is more than a journey into our great past, or a great reminder of it. It is an exploration of the cultural roots and civilizational achievements that shape our identity. It is essential for fostering a sense of dignity rooted in our cultural heritage, and learning from the triumphs and mistakes of the past to build a better future.
Consequently, through the stories of earlier generations, we gain a deeper understanding of the values, traditions, and innovations that continue to influence our world today.
Among the brightest figures of the Islamic Golden Age stands Badiʿ al-Zaman Abū al-ʿIzz ibn Ismāʿīl ibn al-Razzāz al-Jazari (1136–1206), widely celebrated as “the Father of Robotics” and “the Father of Modern Engineering.” His groundbreaking mechanical inventions and detailed engineering descriptions established principles that remain central to modern mechanical design.
Born in Jazirat Ibn Umar—an area near the Tigris River in present-day northern Syria—Al-Jazari’s exceptional talent earned him the position of chief mechanical engineer at the Artuqid court. There, he produced a remarkable collection of machines that were centuries ahead of their time.
Although the term robot would not appear until 1920, Al-Jazari’s 12th-century designs were astonishingly modern. His devices embodied concepts that mirror today’s robotics: programmability, autonomy, fluid control, and mechanical sequencing.
His famous book, ( كتاب في معرفة الحيل الهندسية), is Kitāb fī maʿrifat al-ḥiyal al-handasiyya, completed in 1206 CE, which translates literally as "The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices", documented more than 50 mechanical devices, many of which had no known precedent. These included innovative water-raising machines, advanced water clocks, switching valves, automated control systems, and an array of ingenious mechanisms that displayed both scientific mastery and artistic creativity.
Al-Jazari's major work, Kitab fi ma'rifat al-hiyal al-handasiyya (The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices), was translated into English by the British historian of technology and chartered engineer Donald R. Hill in 1974, seven centuries and 68 years after it was completed by its author. Undoubtedly, Hill's translation made the work of the 12th-century engineer Al-Jazari accessible to a modern audience, highlighting his innovations like the first use of a crank-slider system in a water pump.
Also, Jim Al-Khalili, a British theoretical physicist and broadcaster, has featured the work of the 12th-century inventor Al-Jazari in his documentary series, such as "Science in a Golden Age" and "Science and Islam".
While earlier civilizations imagined human-like machines, Al-Jazari was the first to document real, functional automatons with precise engineering drawings and operational instructions. His work laid the groundwork for the machines and robotics we take for granted today.
Al-Jazari’s inventions also pushed the boundaries of automation. He designed early humanoid robots, including a robot for ablution, at the request of the ruler of Diyarbakir, thus relieving him of the need for servants whenever he wished to perform ablution for prayers, a programmable servant that dispensed drinks, a spectacular “Peacock Fountain” that automatically released water, soap, and towels. Also he created an automated drink waitress that served beverages every seven minutes, a musical robot band that played aboard a boat, and a self-operating jug triggered by a singing mechanical bird.
These inventions may be commonplace in the age of artificial intelligence, but when their creator implemented them in the 12th century, during the golden age of the Islamic state, they are a human miracle, deserving of the title of father of robotics and modern engineering. Revisiting Al-Jazari’s legacy reminds us that the roots of innovation stretch deep into history. His achievements during the Islamic Golden Age remain a testament to human creativity and intellectual curiosity—qualities that continue to inspire the quest for a better future.
This is just an example of the role of Muslim scientists and innovators played in the enlightenment of humanity and the advancement of education and civilization. The undeniable truth is that there are many Muslim men and women who stood out as exceptional innovators, scientists, thinkers throughout the Islamic civilization. Their inspiring stories make them beacons that guide generations.
Sources:
Studies in Medieval Islamic
Technology
From Philo to al-Jazari – from
Alexandria to Diyar Bakr
Edited By David King, Donald R.
Hill
Pathfinders: The Golden Age of
Arabic Science by Jim al-Khalili – review
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/oct/23/arabic-science-jim-alkhalili-review
