Astronomy in the First Saudi State

Astronomy in the First Saudi State is a science that became intrinsically linked to the society of the Arabian Peninsula since the establishment of the First Saudi State. In fact, due to the environmental conditions prevailing during that period, people's interest grew in astronomical calculations and following the lunar phases and associated climatic changes, including winds, rains, cold, and heat, as well as their aftermath, whether drought or subsequent fertility, where they adapted their lifestyle activities, including herding, agriculture, and hunting accordingly.

Othman Bin Bishr wrote a manuscript on astronomy, titled al-Ishara ila Maarifat Manazel al-Sab' al-Sayyara (The Indication in Knowing the Stations of the Seven Planets), in which he tackled notable subjects in astronomy, such as introducing lunar phases, describing the bodies surrounding the moon during the various lunar phases, describing the orbit of planets, describing the disappearance of planets from the sky around dawn, and the methodology for factoring in celestial elements within the framework of agriculture. He also wrote entries in astronomy, in his book Unwan al-Majd fi Tarikh Najd (The Title of Glory in the History of Najd), encompassing forty-six entries, classified under several topics, including solar and lunar eclipses, celestial changes, meteors and comets, meteorites, and calculation of phases and zodiac signs.

Rashid al-Khalawi, a poet, was among the prominent astronomers in the Arabian Peninsula. He authored a book on astronomical calculations titled Hisab al-Ra'i (The Shepherd's Calculations). Rashid al-Khalawi lived just before the establishment of the First Saudi State and spent most of his life in the desert of Najd, moving between the areas of rainfall, where he followed the movement of stars and their locations. He was also known as an astronomer who monitored the lunar phases and determined the timings of rainfall, winds, planting, and cultivation. Al-Khalawi recorded his astronomical knowledge and notes in his poetry, making it easier for people to memorize, transmit, and track such information.

He was known for his astronomical poem detailing star phases and constellations. He meticulously organized them in chronological order. He was a Nabattean poet who was interested in astronomical calculations and monitoring lunar phases. He authored an astronomical account in which he detailed and calculated lunar phases and provided detailed descriptions of the stars, making it easier for readers to identify them. Additionally, he recorded the rising times of the stars, their duration, the length of a person’s shadow during each season, and the agricultural and medicinal practices suitable for each phase. He also noted the expected weather conditions, including heat, cold, winds, and rainfall.

Mohammed Bin Afaleq is one of al-Ahsa's astronomers. He wrote several astronomical accounts, including Mad al-Shubuk li-Sayd Ilm al-Falak (Spreading the Net to Gather Astronomical Information), Sulm al-Uruj ila Ilm al-Manazel wal-Buruj (The Ladder of Information to Understand Astrological Phases and Zodiac Signs), and al-Jadwal (Table), under which he offered medical and time-related information.

Mohammed Bin Abdullah Bin Fairuz is one of al-Ahsa's astronomers. He authored an astronomical poem, titled Ujalat al-Musta'jal (The Urgency of Expedited Matters), consisting of about three hundred verses.

Saleh Bin Saif al-Najdi al-Ahsa'i is one of al-Ahsa's astronomers. He authored a short poem on astronomy.

Among the astronomer scholars of al-Ahsa are also Mohammed Bin Salloum and his son Abdulrazzaq. He authored several books, including two books elaborating upon the book of Bin Afaleq. He offered a detailed explanation in one of his books, titled Tiraz al-Moalem ila Idah al-Sulm (Model of Information Elaborating upon the Ladder of Knowledge), and a brief explanation in his book titled al-Tariq al-Akwam ila Su'ud al-Sulm (The Straightest Path to Climb a Ladder).