Zayed National Museum to display ancient tool highlighting Islamic astronomy traditions

Al Etihad

25-03-2025

MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
In an era of satellite navigation and digital mapping, finding one's way requires no more than glancing at a smartphone. But before GPS, people looked up to the sky to navigate the world, observing the sun by day and the stars by night. This ancient practice laid the foundation for "ilm al-falak", the science of astronomy, which flourished in the Islamic world.
Among the most significant instruments developed in this field is the astrolabe, a beautifully crafted device that enabled astronomers to calculate the position of celestial bodies in relation to the horizon and meridian.
This sophisticated tool will be on display at the Zayed National Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Islamic world.
"Astrolabes use information relating to time, location, and distance, playing an essential role in locating your position across the world," Roudha Al Shehhi, an associate curator at the Zayed National Museum, told Aletihad.
"From the 8th century onwards, astrolabes have also been used in Islam as a tool to establish the direction of prayer toward Mecca, known as the Qibla, as well as the time for the five prayers required throughout the day."
The astrolabe on display, crafted in Fez, Morocco, in the first decade of 1700s, is made of cast brass and adorned with intricate Maghrebi script.
This tool serves as proof of how religious needs - such as keeping to prayer timings and locating the Qibla - were key motivations behind technological innovations during that time, Al Shehhi said.
"Astrolabes are fascinating scientific instruments that offer a window into the era they were refined and perfected," she added.
"For instance, the astrolabe that will be on display at Zayed National Museum features seven individual plates detailing the latitudes of major cities in the Islamic world, such as Mecca and Medina, emphasising both its religious and practical significance. It embodies all astronomical knowledge from the early Islamic period and astrolabe craftsmanship."
Where to Find this Astrolabe
The astrolabe will be showcased in the Zayed National Museum's "By Our Coasts" gallery, which explores the evolution of key coastal settlements through pearling, fishing, and trade.
The gallery examines the role of local communities not only as catalysts for commercial and cultural exchange but also in informing Emirati identity.
Alongside the astrolabe, visitors will also find the kamal, one of the earliest known navigation instruments. Used by Arab navigators as early as the 9th century, the kamal helped determine latitude by measuring the height of the North Star above the horizon.
"The astrolabe and the kamal that will be displayed in the museum underscore the innovative spirit and enduring legacy of knowledge from the early Islamic period of history," Fatema Al Hammadi, a curator at Zayed National Museum, told Aletihad.
"They tell us about the people of this region and the ways in which their innovation shaped our history and heritage."
Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, celebrates the country's rich history and culture.
It also honours the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision and leadership continue to guide the country today.
Renowned for his wisdom and humility, the life of the late Sheikh Zayed was defined by his deep devotion to his Islamic faith, determined leadership and belief in the power of unity.
"The astrolabe stands as a testament to spirit of exploration and innovation that has shaped our history," Al Hammadi said. "We hope that visitors to the museum will be inspired by this and other stories and experience a sense of awe as they see how these remarkable tools have deepened our understanding of the world."