The Legacy of Abu Raihan Al-Biruni's Thoughts: A Systematic Literature Review of Scientific Journals in Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the intellectual accomplishments of Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni, a distinguished Muslim polymath, using a thorough literature assessment of scholarly publications published in Indonesian academic journals.  The study used a qualitative methodology and library research strategy to investigate 53 articles sourced from the Garuda (Garba Rujukan Digital) database.  Merely nine of these articles significantly address Al-Biruni’s intellectual legacy.  The research demonstrates Al-Biruni’s extensive influence in disciplines including astronomy, trigonometry, economics, calendrical science (hisab rukyah), and early metallurgy.  He is consistently depicted as a discerning, probing, and interdisciplinary scholar whose concepts remain pertinent within modern scientific frameworks.  Nonetheless, a substantial void persists in the literature about his contributions to epistemology, comparative religion, geography, geodesy, and philosophy.  These domains remain little examined, despite their significance in his studies, particularly in seminal works such as Tahqiq ma li-l-Hind and Tahdīd Nihāyāt al-Amākin.  This study advocates for a more thorough examination of Al-Biruni’s works to rejuvenate the Islamic scientific tradition and reestablish a connection with the intellectual heritage of classical Muslim academics.  The results indicate that expanding the academic investigation of Al-Biruni's contributions beyond the natural sciences may greatly enhance contemporary interdisciplinary and intercultural discussions.