AL-BERUNI (AD 973-1048) was a famous scientist of the Islamic world. He was a prolific writer who wrote more than 150 books on various aspects of life, including mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, cosmology, archaeology, history, geology, biology, chemistry, culture, civilisation and comparative religion.

He discussed the behaviour of the moon, the earth, the sun and planets in his book Qanoon Almasudi.

He elaborated a method to determine longitude and latitude.

The most surprising thing about him was that he was born in Afghanistan.

Why is Afghanistan not producing scientists like Al-Beruni? No doubt, Mohammad Shafiq Hamdam and Abdul Karin Mustaghni are famous scientists from Afghanistan. However, there is a need for more scientists like Al-Beruni who can change the fate of their country.

Sadar Aslam

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2016