A series by Para­mount Books, Great Muslim Scientists is the biographies of Muslim scientists and mathematicians whose brilliant research, discoveries and theories form the basis of modern science and mathematics.

Beautifully illustrated and written in very simple language, the 12 books in the series are treasures that would definitely add to the collection of all book lovers. These thin books, ideal for children who have yet to start reading voluminous general knowledge books and encyclopaedias, carry a wealth of information that is bound to impress adults too.

It is also a good idea to first read the books to the children or discuss it with them later on, to make them understand the historical settings these great men belonged to and how far ahead they were in their research than those western scientists who are now so well-known for the work that was actually based on that of these great Muslim men.

Written by Teh Sharifuddin and M. Razak Al-Aidrus, the biographies are of Omar Khayyam, Al-Kashi, Al-Razi, Al-Haytham, Jabir, Al-Kindi, Az-Zahrawi, Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi, Ulugh Beg, Al-Karaji and Al-Biruni.

Each book, with the title simply carrying the name of the mathematician/scientist, is visually attractive with illustrations to appeal to even very young readers, though the names of the people and places may seem strange and unknown to them. Many of the places mentioned have new names today or have faded into obscurity.

To make the content more reader-friendly for young readers, there are many fact boxes titled Did you know? that explain something related to the scientific contribution of person being discussed.

There is a glossary at the end as well as a word search and word game related to the narrative of each book, and a bookmark that can be cut out and used.

Frankly speaking, there were very few names that I was familiar with from these dozen great men and I was aware of even fewer contributions of theirs to different fields such as astronomy, mathematics, algebra, medicine, chemistry, philosophy and much more.

These contributions are discussed along with that of other ancient scientists and philosophers who these Muslims took inspirations from and also those who came later in the west and used the research of these men to carry out their own discoveries.

Great Muslim Scientists is a great way to learn about the remarkable contributions Muslims have made in various fields and it dispels the belief that all notable research and progress have taken place in the West only. The books are also available in Urdu for those who are more comfortable in that language.

Available at Paramount Books

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 12th, 2016