Al-Alama Abd el-Rahman Akhdari
The Luminous Scholar of Biskra | 16th Century Polymath
A beacon of knowledge in rhetoric, logic, jurisprudence, and Sufism during the Ottoman era in Algeria
The Life of a Scholar
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Abd el-Rahman Al-Akhdari (c. 1512-1575 CE) was one of the most prominent scholars of 10th century AH Algeria during the Ottoman era
Born in the village of Bentious near Biskra, he emerged as a multifaceted intellectual whose contributions spanned numerous disciplines
Early Intellectual Development
From an early age, Akhdari demonstrated exceptional intellectual capabilities
He composed his first work, "Al-Siraj fi al-Hay'a" (The Lamp in Astronomy), at just nineteen years old
Followed by "Al-Durra al-Bayda" (The White Pearl) in mathematics at twenty
And his famous "Al-Sullam al-Murawnaq" (The Ornamented Ladder) in logic at twenty-one
Scholarly Journey
Education and Teachers
Akhdari received his early education from his father, Muhammad al-Saghir
His father was himself a scholar of fiqh, grammar, and Sufism
He continued his studies at the prestigious Zaytuna Mosque in Tunis
Before returning to Algeria, where he established a scholarly presence in his hometown
Spiritual Dimensions
Beyond his academic pursuits, Akhdari was known for his spiritual devotion
He frequently retreated to mountains near his village for meditation and writing
His works reflect a mind equally comfortable with rational sciences and spiritual wisdom
Journey Through Time
c. 1512 CE
Birth in Bentious
Born in the village of Bentious near Biskra, Algeria
Into a scholarly family with a tradition of learning
c. 1531 CE
First Composition
Wrote "Al-Siraj fi al-Hay'a" (The Lamp in Astronomy)
At just nineteen years old, demonstrating early scholarly promise
c. 1532 CE
Mathematical Treatise
Composed "Al-Durra al-Bayda" (The White Pearl)
In mathematics and inheritance law, containing 500 verses
c. 1533 CE
Masterpiece in Logic
Authored his famous "Al-Sullam al-Murawnaq"
The Ornamented Ladder in logic, which became a standard text in Islamic education
c. 1536 CE
Spiritual Composition
Wrote "Al-Qudsiyya," a spiritual poem
Addressing Sufi practices and criticizing religious innovations of his time
c. 1575 CE