The Role of the Banū Mūsā Family in the Development of Science

The Banū Mūsā family, consisting of three scholarly brothers—Muḥammad, Aḥmad, and Ḥasan ibn Mūsā ibn Shākir—were among the most prominent scientific figures of the third century AH during the Abbasid era. They conducted scientific and research activities in Baghdad, particularly at the Bayt al-Ḥikma (House of Wisdom). This study aims to examine the role of the Banū Mūsā family in the development of the sciences, explain their contribution to linking theoretical knowledge with practical applications, and investigate the impact of their scientific and engineering activities on Islamic civilization. The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology based on library research. Historical sources and scholarly works related to the Banū Mūsā family were used to examine and analyze their activities, writings, inventions, and scientific methods. The findings indicate that through their work in mathematics, astronomy, geometry, and mechanics, the Banū Mūsā brothers played a significant role in transforming theoretical sciences into applied knowledge. By studying Greek and Syriac works, critically reviewing and revising theoretical principles, and subsequently designing and testing practical devices, they developed an integrated approach combining theory and experimentation in scientific research. Their most important achievement was the Kitāb al-Ḥiyal (The Book of Ingenious Devices), which contains descriptions of mechanical designs, devices, and automatic control systems. Furthermore, their support for the translation movement and their efforts in educating scholars and translators contributed significantly to the transmission and development of knowledge from earlier civilizations within the Islamic world. Accordingly, the Banū Mūsā family may be regarded as pioneers in connecting science, engineering, and technology in Islamic civilization.