Astrology in the Medieval Islamic World

From the eighth century onward, scholars working in Arabic translated and developed Greek, Persian and Indian knowledge of mathematics and the heavens. Baghdad became an important center, while major work also occurred across a much wider Islamic world.

Astronomy advances

Scholars refined observations, planetary models, astronomical tables and instruments such as the astrolabe. Astronomy also had practical religious uses, including determining prayer times, the direction of Mecca and calendrical questions.

Astrology alongside astronomy

Astrology was often treated as closely connected with astronomy. Figures including Abu Ma‘shar, al-Biruni and Nasir al-Din al-Tusi wrote on astrological subjects, while other theologians, jurists and philosophers criticized astrology on religious, philosophical or ethical grounds.

Transmission onward

Arabic scientific and astrological works were later translated into Latin and contributed to intellectual exchange with medieval Europe.