Ibn al-Qabisi

Ibn al-Qabisi (c. 930 – c. 1012 CE), also known as Abu al-Saqr 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn 'Uthman ibn 'Ali al-Qabisi, was a prominent Islamic astrologer and mathematician of the 10th and 11th centuries. He was a significant figure in the transmission of astrological knowledge from the Arabic world to Europe.

Al-Qabisi was born in Mosul, Iraq, and served at the court of the Hamdanid dynasty. His most influential work is the Introduction to Astrology ( Kitāb al-Mudkhal ilā Ṣināʿat al-Tanajjum), often referred to simply as Al-Mudkhal. This comprehensive textbook presented a systematic exposition of astrological principles and techniques, drawing upon earlier Greek, Persian, and Indian sources, integrated with Islamic thought and observations. The Al-Mudkhal was translated into Latin in the 12th century as Introductorius and became a standard text in European universities for centuries, influencing numerous astrologers and scholars, including Guido Bonatti and Roger Bacon.

Al-Qabisi aimed to present a clear and accessible explanation of astrology, making it more easily understood by students. While he accepted the basic tenets of astrology, he cautioned against deterministic interpretations, emphasizing the importance of free will and divine intervention. This nuanced approach contributed to the widespread acceptance of his work within both the Islamic and European intellectual traditions. His work helped preserve and disseminate astrological knowledge at a time when other scholars questioned its legitimacy. He is considered a key figure in the history of astrology and its influence on Western thought.