Abu Mashar

(787 - 886)

Born in Khorasan, in present-day Afghanistan, Abu Mashar settled in Baghdad sometime around 820, becoming well known as an astrologer and adviser to the caliphate. According to one biographer, Abu Mashar had originally disdained Hellenistic sciences, including astrology; he began his studies only in response to a challenge from a rival, al-Kindi. Both Abu Mashar and al-Kindi were commissioned to predict the duration of Arab rule using astral conjunctions. Because Abu Mashar’s prediction was shorter, he was punished with lashes by the court.