"You’ve probably heard of #ThomasAquinas, a prominent #medieval #scholar who combined #Christian #theology and #Greek #philosophy.

However, you may not be familiar with the renowned #Jewish scholar #MosesMaimonides, whose ideas significantly influenced Aquinas’s thought.

In the new #book, “Moses #Maimonides: A Very Short Introduction,” #RossBrann, a #professor of Jewish Studies at #Cornell #University, introduces Maimonides to a new generation.

Maimonides, also known as #Rambam, was a Jewish philosopher, #rabbinic scholar and renowned physician in the medieval #Islamic kingdoms, which are now part of modern-day #Spain. His life was marked by rigorous education, #persecution, #exile, and a commitment to serving both kings and the people.

Maimonides played a crucial role in helping his Jewish #diasporic community survive the hardships of the #Almohad #Caliphate, which forced Jews to choose between #converting to #Islam, relocating, or death."

https://religionunplugged.com/news/rediscovering-maimonides-the-scholar-who-bridged-faith-reason-and-community

Thought-provoking: the #Astronomy knowledge and technology refined and developed by #Muslims during the #Almohad and #Nazarid reigns in #Andalucia was critical in the success of the #Spanish armada in colonizing the western hemisphere.

Below are pictures of nautical navigation instruments used by Spanish sailors. These tools were made after #Muslims were expelled from #Spain (starting in 1492 CE).

#Astronomy related instruments, refined and developed by #Muslim scholar-craftsmen during the #Almohad and #Nazarid eras in #Andalucia, are on display now at the Cuarto Real in #Granada .

Some of the knowledge and technology was a borrow from the Greek and Phoenician worlds, but the Muslim contribution to what we now know as astronomy is staggering in scope.

These are mostly reproductions: most of the originals have found their way into northern European museums.