Mitos dan Fakta tentang Penemuan Gravitasi dalam Islam

In the annals of scientific history, the discovery of gravity is often solely attributed to Sir Isaac Newton and his famous apple incident. However, the roots of understanding gravitational concepts stretch back much further, particularly within the rich tapestry of Islamic scholarship. This article delves into the myths and facts surrounding the Islamic contributions to the discovery of gravity, shedding light on a narrative that is often overshadowed by Western-centric scientific accounts.

The Early Islamic Inquiry into Astronomy

Long before Newton, Islamic scholars were making significant advances in astronomy that indirectly pointed towards the understanding of gravitational forces. The works of scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Biruni include extensive observations and theories regarding celestial bodies. These scholars, driven by their quest for precise prayer times and qibla directions, inadvertently laid down the foundational ideas that suggested a force keeping celestial bodies in a harmonious order. Their detailed astronomical charts and calculations reflect a deep understanding of the cosmos, which implicitly recognized the effects of gravity.

Debunking the Myth: The Gravity Apple in Islamic Science

A popular myth suggests that a scholar named Ibn al-Haytham was struck by an apple, which led to an Islamic theory of gravity predating Newton. While this story mirrors the Newtonian apple tale, it is largely unfounded in historical documentation. Ibn al-Haytham, known in the West as Alhazen, made significant contributions to optics and vision theory but did not record any apple-related gravitational epiphanies. This myth likely arose from conflations and the romanticization of scientific discovery tales, aiming to parallel the narrative impact of Newton's story.

Contributions of Al-Khazini – Bridging the Gap

The work of Al-Khazini in the 12th century is perhaps one of the closest Islamic precursors to modern gravitational theory. In his book, "The Book of the Balance of Wisdom," Al-Khazini explores the concept of gravitational potential energy and density, discussing how the gravitational pull of the Earth varies with distance—a concept not unlike what Newton formalized as the inverse-square law. His studies on the balance and weights under different conditions highlight a nuanced understanding of the forces acting on objects, showcasing a scientific method in practice within the Islamic Golden Age.

The Influence of Islamic Scholarship on European Renaissance

The transmission of Islamic texts into Latin during the European Renaissance played a crucial role in shaping the scientific landscape of the West. Scholars like Roger Bacon, Copernicus, and even Newton himself had access to translations of works by Islamic scholars. These texts, enriched with observations, experiments, and theories, undoubtedly influenced the scientific revolution in Europe. The acknowledgment of these influences is crucial in understanding the global and interconnected nature of scientific discovery.

In revisiting the narrative of gravity's discovery, it becomes evident that the contributions of Islamic scholars were both significant and foundational, albeit often overlooked. The myth of the Islamic discovery of gravity through an apple may be unfounded, but the factual contributions remain indispensable. Islamic scholars explored astronomical phenomena, laid groundwork in physics, and influenced the European Renaissance, which together fostered an environment ripe for the discovery of gravity as we understand it today. This exploration not only enriches our understanding of history but also underscores the importance of recognizing the diverse contributions to the collective human pursuit of knowledge.