About the works of Aḥmad ibn Umar al-Karābīsī A mathematician of the 4th AH/ 10th AD

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Document Type : Research/Original/Reqular Article

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Isfahan Mathematics House (IMH)

Abstract

Aḥmad ibn ʿUmar al-Karābīsī (10th century CE), an eminent mathematician of the 4th century AH, authored two extant treatises:
1. Sharḥ Mushkil Ṣudūr Maqālāt Kitāb Uqlīdis (Explanation of Problematic Propositions in Euclid’s Elements) – A commentary on the postulates of Euclid’s Elements (Books I.1–11, excluding I.8–9), synthesizing philosophical insights with analyses of Greek and Islamic scholars to enhance pedagogical clarity.
2. Masāḥat al-Ḥalaq (Measurement of Rings) – A geometric treatise establishing definitions and proofs for theorems on annular shapes and circular segments.
The Sharḥ Mushkil Ṣudūr, preserved in only two manuscripts, holds exceptional historical significance as evidence of al-Karābīsī’s access to Arabic translations of Euclid’s Elements and Greek commentaries. His work demonstrates methodological parallels with al-Nayrīzī’s commentary and Gerard of Cremona’s Latin translations, while uniquely engaging with Euclid’s fifth postulate.
Attributed but lost works include Tafsīr Uqlīdis (Commentary on Euclid), Ḥisāb al-Dawr (Calculation of Cycles), Kitāb al-Waṣāyā (Book of Directives), and Kitāb al-Hindī (Indian Treatise).
This study offers a critical analysis of Sharḥ Mushkil Ṣudūr, presents a critical edition and translation of Masāḥat al-Ḥalaq, and provides annotations on key theorems, underscoring al-Karābīsī’s contributions to the mathematical heritage of the Islamic Golden Age.

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Journal for the History of Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 July 2025

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