Lectures at Katara focus on astronomy and fiction

On Tuesday night, Dr Sadiq al-Jamal, lecturer at the University of Baghdad and a novelist, gave an informative lecture on astronomy and fiction.

The talk focused on science fiction and how it treated different issues of astronomy prior to the actual discovery of such scientific facts.

“You will be surprised to know that Muslim Arab scholars and scientists have produced around 10,000 books and treatises on astronomy from the 5th century up till now,” said Dr al-Jamal, indicating that the history of Arabs and Muslims has laid special emphasis on this topic, which is further emphasised in the text of the Holy Qur’an.

He stressed that Islamic literature in this area has influenced Byzantine, Persian and European literature as there are traces of Arabic words in these.

Further, the Holy Qur’an has illustrated the influence of heavenly bodies and the movements of stars on the life of man.

Besides, it was observed, the desert environment dictates that the knowledge of stars and planets and their location in the sky is a key to survival there.

Dr al-Jamal illustrated how a number of science fiction writers were able to predict inventions before any scientist could have thought of them.

He then talked about the mythical Utopia and considered it a way for man to create his dreamland, escape censorship and express his aspirations freely. Meanwhile, the Katara Qur’an memorisation course for children was successfully concluded yesterday.

The first three winners of the contest were honoured and given appreciation certificates.

The participating children as well as parents expressed their appreciation with such an initiative by Katara, as it gave them an opportunity to engage in something during the holy month that will benefit them throughout their lives.