Hop On A Time Travel Machine To Meet The Father Of Modern Algebra

During the Islamic Golden Age, the Persian and Islamic mathematician and astronomer Muḥammad ibn Musá al-Khwārizmiyy (c. 780-850 CE), also known as Al Khwarizmi, made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy.

His impact on these disciplines was profound, and his legacy continues to be felt today, with a prominent lunar crater bearing his name in tribute to his achievements.

If we have a time machine that can transport say the TIME magazine editorial team to personally meet Al Khwarizmi here's a possible conversation that could have unfolded for our benefit.

As-salāmu ʿalaykum (Peace be upon you). Your work laid the foundation for algebra. What inspired you to explore this branch of mathematics?

Wa-Alaikum-Salaam (May peace be upon you too). Assimilating the Quran, I kept noticing the importance of thinking and reflecting. This inspired me to study math more deeply. I saw algebra not only as a tool to solve problems, but also as a way to understand God's wisdom and see the beauty of the world He created.

How did your work influence the development of mathematics in the Islamic world and beyond?

It's truly an honor to know that my work has had such a profound impact on the development of mathematics, not only in the Islamic world but also in the West.

My books were translated into Latin and became standard textbooks in European universities, introducing key concepts such as the Hindu-Arabic numeral system and algebraic methods. To think that my contributions have had such a lasting legacy is both humbling and inspiring.

Can you explain the key concepts of your book, “The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing”?

The concept of ‘al-jabr’ (restoration) in my book reflects the Islamic principle of justice and balance. Just as we strive to balance the scales in our daily lives, algebra seeks to restore balance and harmony to equations.

You also made significant contributions to astronomy and geography. Can you tell us about some of your discoveries in these fields?

In astronomy, I developed methods for determining the positions of celestial bodies, including the sun and moon, which helped improve our understanding of celestial movements and the solar and lunar calendars. I also played a role in creating a world map and writing a treatise on the astrolabe, an instrument that was critical for navigation and astronomical observations.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as a scholar in your time?

Despite my passion for learning and my commitment to advancing knowledge, I faced numerous obstacles. Access to knowledge and resources was limited, which required me to undertake arduous journeys to gather manuscripts and learn from other scholars.

My ideas were often met with skepticism and resistance, as they challenged established traditions. The lack of support and recognition was disheartening, but I persevered, driven by my belief in the potential of my work to benefit the world.

How do you think mathematics can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems?

We have been entrusted with the care of this Earth and all its inhabitants. It is our sacred duty to protect and preserve our world. Mathematics, in its beauty and precision, offers us a path to achieve this goal.

By applying mathematical principles to our understanding of the environment and our society, we can develop sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, improve healthcare and resource distribution.

My vision is a world that is fair, just, and harmonious with the gifts of Mother Nature.

If you could give a talk in front of hundreds of students aspiring to be mathematicians and scientists, what would your parting words be like?

Remember that knowledge is a blessing from God. During your journey of learning, always be humble, eager to gain knowledge and benefit others. Let your pursuit of knowledge be driven by your faith, striving to contribute to the betterment of humanity and the understanding of God's creation. Let your studies be guided by the wisdom of your religion, and let your actions be a reflection of your devotion to God.

Side note: The above interview is purely imaginative. So readers are correct to say it does not exist. So did Stephen Hawking, “The best evidence we have that time travel is not possible, and never will be, is that we have not been invaded by hordes of tourists from the future.”