Notes

In this book written by Teh Sharifuddin comes a story about a man named Al-Kindi. Al-Kindi was a Muslim Arab scientist, mathematician, physician, and musician. He was also given the role of the 'philosopher of the Arabs'.

Al-Kindi was raised in the city of Kufa in Iraq. At the time, Kufa was considered the centre of culture and learning to the Arabs. It was certainly conducive for Al-Kindi to get the best education possible there. At the same time, Al-Kindi's father was the governer of Kufa, just as his grandfather had been before him. Al-Kindi was also descended from the Royal Kindah tribe. The tribe had been responsible for uniting multiple other tribes and had reached a position of prominence in the 5th and 6th century.

After his early education in Kufa, he continued his studies in Baghdad. There he became well-known for his scholarship. As a result, he caught the attention of the Caliph al-Ma'mun. The Caliph, who was an advocate of science and mathematics, was setting up an academy called the 'House of Wisdom' in Baghdad. It was in this 'House of Wisdom' that philosophical and scientific works of the Greeks were translated. Al-Kindi was appointed by the Caliph to the 'House of Wisdom' together with other talented scholars. They had to study and translate the Greek manuscripts.

When Al-Ma'mun, the Caliph, died in 833 and was succeeded by his brother Al-Mu'tasim, Al-Kindi continued to be in his favour and was allowed to continue his work at the House of Wisdom. Al-Kindi was also employed to tutor Al-Mu'tasim's son, Ahmad.