Who is Ibn al-Haytham

 Ibn al-Haytham

Born: Around 965 CE   |   Died: Around 1040 CE

"Ibn al-Haytham: The Scientist Who Unveiled the Mystery of Light"

“Portrait of Ibn al‑Haytham (Alhazen), medieval Arab scientist and pioneer of optics. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)”

Full Name: Abu Ali al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham

Place of Birth: Basra, which was then part of the Abbasid Caliphate

Present-day Location: Basra is now in Iraq

Place of Death: Cairo, Egypt

Introduction

Did you know who first explained how the eye sees and how light travels? That revolutionary scientist was Ibn al-Haytham, widely regarded as the Father of Optics.

Parents of Ibn al-Haytham

Father's Name: Not clearly recorded in historical sources, but it is believed that he was a government official or administrator.

Mother's Name: Not mentioned in any authentic source.

His parents supported his early education and religious upbringing.

Marriage of Ibn al-Haytham

The historical records regarding Ibn al-Haytham (ابن الهيثم) suggest that he did not marry — or if he did, there is no documented evidence or mention of it in historical sources.

Education of Ibn al-Haytham

The educational background of Ibn al-Haytham is evident through his multidisciplinary knowledge and scientific contributions. To understand his academic journey, we must also consider the cultural and educational context of the Islamic Golden Age during the 10th century.

Early Education

• He received his early education in Basra.

• From childhood, he was very intelligent and curious, with a special interest in mathematics and philosophy.

His parents and teachers were amazed by his intelligence. Even in his early years, he had mastered the Quran, Arabic literature, and Islamic theology.

Higher Education

Ibn al-Haytham pursued higher studies in intellectual centers like Baghdad and Basra.

He studied in depth the following subjects:

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Astronomy

• Philosophy

• Medicine and Anatomy

• Optics and Acoustics

He deeply studied the works of Greek philosophers and scientists such as Aristotle, Euclid, Galen, and Ptolemy.

"The remarkable thing is that he did not just acquire bookish knowledge but tested it through experimentation and reasoning — which later laid the foundation for the Scientific Method."

Centers of Learning — Libraries of the Islamic Golden Age

During the Islamic Empire of that time, there were several vast libraries and centers of knowledge, such as:

• Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) – in Baghdad

• Al-Azhar University – in Cairo, Egypt

It is said that Ibn al-Haytham later moved to Egypt, where he continued his studies and writings, and conducted many of his famous experiments.

Experiment-Based Learning

• He did not limit himself to reading scriptures but sought the truth through experiments.

• His greatest contribution lies in the science of optics, where he proved principles related to lenses, reflection, refraction, and the theory of vision.

"Ibn al-Haytham received his education from intellectual centers such as Basra and Baghdad. He was one of the rare scholars who studied Greek, Persian, and Indian sciences. Rather than limiting himself to texts, he gave science a new direction through experimentation — which is why he is considered the father of the modern Scientific Method."

Place in Education and Curriculum

• Many medieval universities—such as Oxford and the University of Paris—included his books as part of their curriculum.

• Even today, his teachings are studied in several Islamic universities and in courses on the history of Western science.

Major Contributions

1.Revolution in Optics

• Ibn al-Haytham revolutionized the theory of light.

• He proved that light enters the eye from external sources, not that it is emitted from the eye itself.

• His most famous work is: Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics) – written in 7 volumes.

2.Camera Obscura

• He experimentally demonstrated that when a small hole is made in a dark room, the outside image appears inverted – this became the foundation of the modern camera.

3.Scientific Method

• He was among the first scientists to base knowledge on experiment and observation.

• He emphasized that reasoning alone is not enough — experimentation is essential, which became the cornerstone of modern science.

4.Contributions to Other Fields

• Mathematics: Significant contributions in geometry and algebra.

• Astronomy: Performed astronomical calculations, including studies of the moon’s surface.

• Philosophy: Wrote commentaries on the works of Aristotle and Plato.

Famous Works

• Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics)

• Treatise on Light

• Doubts Concerning Ptolemy

• On the Shape of the Eclipse

Other Interests and Fields of Study

Ibn al-Haytham not only worked on optics but also conducted in-depth research on the following subjects:"

Field	Major Contribution
Mathematics	Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra
Astronomy	Planetary motion, celestial spheres
Philosophy	Epistemology, sensory perception
Theology	Scientific interpretations of the Quran
Psychology	Relations between vision and the brain

A Famous Incident from His Life

While in Egypt, Ibn al-Haytham proposed a plan to build a dam on the Nile River. He received support for this project from Caliph Al-Hakim.
However, when he realized that the construction was technically impossible at that time, he chose to abandon the project.
The Caliph was displeased with this decision and placed him under house arrest.
It was during this period of confinement that Ibn al-Haytham wrote his most important work, Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics).

Impact in the Modern Era

1.Use in Camera and Lens Technology

• Ibn al-Haytham’s explanation of the Camera Obscura became the foundation of modern camera technology.

• His theories on lenses are still applied today in the design of microscopes, telescopes, eyeglasses, and other optical instruments.

2.In Medicine

• His explanations in the field of Ophthalmology (the study of the eye) are still studied today.

• His insights into visual defects, the function of the retina, and the structure of the eye's lens form the basis for many modern treatments.

3.In Physics

• The rectilinear propagation of light (light travels in a straight line)

• The laws of reflection and refraction
  These fundamental principles were clearly described in his work and remain essential in the study of optics.

Challenges and Struggles in His Life

Ibn al-Haytham's life was not only marked by achievements but also by bold decisions, failures, and intellectual struggles.

The Nile River Project

• Ibn al-Haytham was invited by the Fatimid Caliph of Egypt, Al-Hakim, to design a plan to control the flooding of the Nile River through a dam.

• At first, he accepted the challenge, but upon understanding the geographic and technical limitations, he decided to abandon the project.

• Caliph Al-Hakim was angered by this decision and placed Ibn al-Haytham under house arrest.

During this period of confinement, he wrote Kitab al-Manazir and many of his most influential scientific works.

To save himself, he cleverly pretended to be insane — a historical fact that shows he was willing to go to any extent for the sake of science.

Features of Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics)

This massive 7-volume work is not just a book — it is a scientific revolution.

What did it include?

Volume	Subject Matter
1	Structure of the eye, process of vision
2	Motion and direction of light
3	Laws of reflection and refraction
4	Pinhole imaging and Camera Obscura
5	Explanation of color, shadow, and transparency
6	Behavior of light in the atmosphere
7	Sensory perception and psychological explanation

Why is he called the "Scientist of Light"?

• He explained that the source of light is an external object, not the eyes.

• The eye merely receives the light.

• He also clarified that the image is formed inverted on the retina of the eye.

His research guided scientists like Johannes Kepler and Robert Boyle during the European Renaissance.

Al-Haytham’s “Firsts” in the Field of Science

Contribution	Who Did It First?
Systematic use of the scientific method	Ibn al-Haytham
Scientific explanation of the visual system	Ibn al-Haytham
Use of Camera Obscura	Ibn al-Haytham
Experimental theory of reflection/refraction of light	Ibn al-Haytham
Method of "Evidence, Logic, and Conclusion" in scientific writing	Ibn al-Haytham

Languages and Writing Style of Ibn al-Haytham

Which languages did he know?

• Ibn al-Haytham’s native language was Arabic, and he wrote all of his works in it.

• He could read Arabic Translations of Greek texts (such as those of Aristotle, Euclid, and Ptolemy) and analyzed them deeply.

• He had great proficiency in the language of mathematical notation and geometry.

Characteristics of his writing style

• Logical structure: Introduction → Hypothesis → Experiment → Analysis → Conclusion.

• Humble tone: He never claimed his theories to be final – instead, he always encouraged others to experiment and seek the truth.

• Choice of words: He introduced many scientific terms that are still in use today, such as "nūr" (light), "bāsar" (vision), and "zāwiya" (angle).

Detailed List of Major Works Written by Ibn al-Haytham

Title of the Work	Subject	Language	Remarks
Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics)	Optics	Arabic	7 volumes, most famous
Risala fi’l-Daw (Treatise on Light)	Light	Arabic	Analysis of light and color
Maqala fi al-Qarastun	Mechanics	Arabic	Principles of lever and balance
Fi al-Harakat al-Falakiyya	Astronomy	Arabic	Geometric models of celestial motion
Commentary on Ptolemy’s Almagest	Astronomy	Arabic	Critical commentary on Ptolemy
Treatise on Place	Physics	Arabic	Analysis of motion, space, and time
Doubts on Ptolemy	Astronomy	Arabic	Refutation of Ptolemaic theories

 

"All of these texts have been translated into Latin, English, French, German, and other languages."

Major Books Written About Him

Book Title	Author	Country	Language
Ibn al-Haytham: The First Scientist	Bradley Steffens	USA	English
Science and Islam	Ehsan Masood	UK	English
The Optics of Ibn al-Haytham	A. I. Sabra	Egypt / USA	English
Kitab al-Manazir: A Translation	Roshdi Rashed	France	French / English
The Birth of Science in Islam	George Saliba	Lebanon	English

Translation and Dissemination of His Works

Period	Translator	Language	Place
12th century	Gerard of Cremona	Latin	Spain
13th century	by order of Frederick II	Latin	Italy
19th century	E. Risler	French	France
20th century	A. I. Sabra, Mark Smith	English	USA / UK

Ibn al-Haytham and the European Renaissance

• Ibn al-Haytham’s Kitab al-Manazir was translated into Latin in the 12th century under the title De Aspectibus.

• This work inspired Kepler, Roger Bacon, Witelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other European scientists.

• Roger Bacon referred to him as the “master of optics.”

• His books were included in the curriculum of universities in Italy.

In other words, he was among the Muslim scientists who sowed the seeds of the European Renaissance.

Ibn al-Haytham’s Connection with India

Did Ibn al-Haytham draw inspiration from Indian scientists?
Yes. In his works, he clearly stated that:

He learned from Indian astronomers and mathematicians such as:

• Aryabhata

• Brahmagupta

• Varahamihira

"He adopted and appreciated many aspects of the Indian decimal system and mathematical geometry."

"The methods of Indian mathematicians are far more practical than those of the Greeks." — (Kitab al-Tahlil al-Masa’il al-Hindiyya)

Writing Style and Language of Ibn al-Haytham

Feature	Description
Native language	Arabic
Style	Logical, structured, based on scientific evidence
Stylistic influence	Greek, Indian, and Islamic philosophical traditions
Did he write poetry?	Yes — occasionally wrote in a poetic style on scientific subjects (very rare)

Contemporary Scientists of Ibn al-Haytham

Name	Description
Avicenna (Ibn Sina)	Great physician and philosopher who wrote "The Canon of Medicine".
Al-Biruni	Scholar of astronomy, mathematics, and geography.
Omar Khayyam	Mathematician and poet who worked on algebra and calendar reform.
Al-Khwarizmi	Regarded as the father of Algebra (slightly earlier period).

Books written about his works

Book Title	Author	Country	Language
Alhazen's Optics: A Study of the Foundation of Modern Science	A. I. Sabra	Syria / USA	English
Ibn al-Haytham: First Scientist	Bradley Steffens	USA	English
Kitab al-Manazir (Translation)	Edward Grant, A. Mark Smith	USA / Europe	Latin → English

His contribution to today's technologies

Modern Technology	Relation to His Theory
DSLR Camera	Pinhole principle, lens positioning and focus
Augmented Reality (AR)	Understanding of vision and brain processing
LiDAR Systems	Straight-line motion of light and surface reflection principle
Eye Tracking Devices	Principle of image formation on the retina
AI-Based Vision Recognition	Brain processing of visual signals (his foundational research)

Comparison: Ibn al-Haytham vs Western Scientists

Subject	Ibn al-Haytham	Galileo	Newton
Period	965–1040	1564–1642	1643–1727
Contribution	Optics, Scientific Method	Telescope, Laws of Motion	Gravity, Light
Experiment-based Work	✔️ (Yes)	✔️	✔️
Books	200+	~20	~10
Philosophical Approach	Yes	Less	Yes
Conflict with Church/State	Yes (Caliph)	Yes (Church)	No

"This shows that Ibn al-Haytham had introduced many concepts 500–600 years earlier, on which European scientists worked later."

Present-Day Applications of Ibn al-Haytham's Discoveries

Discovery / Theory	Present-Day Application
Camera Obscura	Digital Camera, CCTV
Theory of Vision	Ophthalmology (Eye Care), Vision Correction Technology
Law of Reflection	Solar Panels, Laser Technology
Behavior of Lenses	Glasses, Microscope, Telescope
Scientific Method	Research Papers, Experimentation, Medical Trials

What things are named after him in the present day?

Name	Location	Description
Alhazen Crater	Moon	A crater located on the surface of the Moon
Alhazen (Asteroid 59239)	Space	An asteroid named after him
Ibn Al-Haytham Science Academy	Pakistan	A science education institution
Haytham Project	UK / US	Research initiative on light and vision
UNESCO Ibn Al-Haytham Medal	International	Award for outstanding contributions to the science of light

Contribution to Psychology and Optics

• He was the first to explain that the brain controls the process of vision, and the eyes are only sensors.

• This idea became the foundation of modern neuroscience.

He explained that:

"Human vision depends not only on the power of the eyes but also on the interpretation and experience of the mind."

Modern Research on His Works

Who is working on Ibn al-Haytham today?

Institution / Person	Country	Subject
UNESCO	International	Contribution to Optics
Jim Al-Khalili	UK	History of Science and Popular Science Documentaries
Ahmed Djebbar	Algeria/France	History of Arabic Science
Muslim Heritage Foundation	UK	Research on Ancient Muslim Scientists
Institute of Physics	UK	Ibn al-Haytham’s Theories on Light

Many Ph.D. theses and research papers are based on his works on optics and the scientific method.

International Recognition

Institution/Country	Honor/Work
UNESCO	Organized the international exhibition titled “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn al-Haytham”
NASA	Paid tribute to him in 2015 on the occasion of the International Year of Light
Google	Created a Google Doodle in 2015 on his 1048th birth anniversary
USA and Europe	Sections dedicated to him established in several science museums

Where are his manuscripts preserved today?

Many of Ibn al-Haytham’s original manuscripts are still preserved today in major libraries and museums around the world:

Museum / Library	Location	Collection
British Library	London, UK	Several Arabic manuscripts, including *Kitab al-Manazir*
Bibliothèque Nationale	Paris, France	Collection of Medieval Arabic Science
Dar al-Kutub	Cairo, Egypt	Original copy (11th century)
Topkapi Palace Museum	Istanbul, Turkey	Astronomical works
Library of Congress	Washington, USA	Copies of Latin translations

 

"Many manuscripts have now been digitized and are available on university websites."

Images/Postage Stamps Based on Ibn al-Haytham

Several countries, in his honor:

Country	Commemoration
Iraq	Postage Stamp (1971)
Iran	Postage Stamp (1982)
Pakistan	Postage Stamp (1983)
Jordan	Coins
UNESCO	Posters and Educational Materials
UAE	Portrait on Banknote (500 Dirhams)

 

"His famous sketch is often depicted in medieval scientific attire — holding a scroll and with a visionary look in his eyes."

Different Forms of His Name and Linguistic Influence

Ibn al-Haytham is known by different names in various cultures

Name	Language/Region
Ibn al-Haytham	Arabic (Original Name)
Alhazen	Latin (in European writings)
ابن الهيثم	Arabic Script
Al-Haytham	Hindi
Ibn al-Haitam	Some Persian and Turkish sources

 

"Many European scientists learned optics and mathematics by reading the Latin translations of his books."

Global Institutions Named After Him

Institution Name	Country	Type
Ibn al-Haytham School	Jordan	School
Ibn al-Haytham Science Center	Kuwait	Science Museum
Ibn al-Haytham Institute of Technology	Pakistan	Technical Education Institute
Alhazen Optics Pvt. Ltd.	India	Eye-Technology Company

Timeline – Key Milestones in Ibn al-Haytham’s Life

Year	Event
965	Born in Basra (Iraq)
985–1000	Education in Baghdad, study of Greek texts
1000–1010	Work in Astronomy and Engineering
1011	Invitation for Nile Dam Project in Egypt
1011–1021	House arrest by Caliph Al-Hakim
1012–1020	Composition of *Kitab al-Manazir*
1021	Death of Al-Hakim, Ibn al-Haytham gains freedom
1025–1039	Writings on various subjects (Optics, Geometry, Astronomy)
1040	Death (Cairo, Egypt)

Beliefs Associated with His Death

Source	Details
Muslim Historians	He spent the last years of his life in solitude and died peacefully in 1040 CE in Baghdad.
Modern Analysis	He possibly had health issues, but remained active in writing until the very end.
Grave/Mausoleum	It is believed that his mausoleum is located in an old part of Baghdad, Iraq, but this is not confirmed.

Films and Media Based on Alhazen

Name	Type	Year	Country
1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham	Short Film (Ben Kingsley voice-over)	2015	UK
Ibn Al-Haytham - The Man Who Discovered How We See	Documentary	2016	Qatar / UK
The Light of Faith: Ibn al-Haytham	Short Film	2021	UAE

 

"In these films, Ibn al-Haytham's vision, working style, and legacy are portrayed in an engaging manner."

His opponents and criticism

Although he was highly respected, Ibn al-Haytham faced opposition from certain radical religious thinkers and doctrinaire philosophers of his time:

Subject	Reason for Opposition
Criticism of Greek Philosophy	He rejected several ideas of Aristotle and Plato
Religious Superstition	He stated that God gave humans intellect — it is not right to accept everything without testing
New Models in Astronomy	He criticized Ptolemy’s errors, which angered some religious astronomers

 

"Despite this, he never adopted the language of bitterness or controversy — his writings reflected both humility and reasoning."

Rare & Fun Facts

• He explained that we see objects because of the reflection of light, not because rays come out of the eyes (as previously believed).

• He was among the first scientists to study the behavior of the visually impaired.

• He was influenced by scientists from India and Greece — especially Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Euclid, and Ptolemy.

• He wrote over 100 books, but most of them are now lost.

Final Conclusion

"Ibn al-Haytham was a scientist who, a thousand years ago, presented ideas that are still part of modern science today. He was a true symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and experimentation. His life shows that faith and science can go hand in hand, provided one seeks the truth with sincerity."