Omar Khayyam

Biography of Philosopher Omar Khayyam

Full Name: Ghiyath al-Din Abu'l-Fath Umar ibn Ibrahim al-Khayyam al-Nishapuri

Birthplace: Nishapur, Khorasan (present-day Iran)

Birth Date: May 18, 1048 CE

Death Date: December 4, 1131 CE

Death Place: Nishapur, Khorasan (present-day Iran)

Early Life and Education: Omar Khayyam was born on May 18, 1048 CE, in the city of Nishapur, located in the region of Khorasan, which was part of the Seljuk Empire at the time. He was born into a family of tent-makers (khayyam in Arabic), which is how he acquired his cognomen. Khayyam's early education included the study of mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and literature, and he quickly demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for these subjects.

At a young age, Khayyam moved to Samarkand (in present-day Uzbekistan) to further his studies, where he made significant contributions to mathematics and algebra.

Personal Life: Omar Khayyam's personal life was characterized by his devotion to intellectual pursuits and a deep love for poetry and philosophy. He was known for his contemplative and skeptical outlook on life, as reflected in his poetry.

Written Books: Khayyam's most renowned work is not a book but a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) known as the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." These quatrains address themes such as the transitory nature of life, the search for meaning, and the enjoyment of the present moment. His poetry has been translated into numerous languages and remains popular worldwide.

Apart from his poetry, Khayyam also made significant contributions to mathematics and science. He wrote a treatise on algebra titled "Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala" (The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing), which delved into the principles of algebra and provided solutions to various algebraic equations. His work influenced later mathematicians and played a role in the development of algebra in the Islamic world.

Legacy: Omar Khayyam's legacy is multifaceted:

Poetry: Khayyam is primarily remembered for his poetry, especially the "Rubaiyat," which has been celebrated for its philosophical and existential themes. It has been interpreted and admired by readers and poets across the world, including the likes of Edward FitzGerald, who translated it into English.

Mathematics: His contributions to mathematics, particularly in algebra and the development of geometric algebra, have earned him recognition as a significant mathematician.

Astronomy: Khayyam was also an accomplished astronomer who made valuable contributions to the field. He played a role in reforming the Islamic calendar.

Philosophy: His poetry often reflects his philosophical musings, and he is considered a thinker who contemplated the nature of life and existence.

Death: Omar Khayyam passed away on December 4, 1131 CE, in his hometown of Nishapur, Khorasan (present-day Iran). His contributions to poetry, mathematics, and science continue to be celebrated, and his "Rubaiyat" remains a timeless work of literature, admired for its profound reflections on the human condition.