ABSTRACT
Ibn Sina Abu ‘Ali ibn Sina (980-1037) took the definitive steps in Islamizing the Greek philosophical tradition, although he has been at least as much appreciated among Westerners as among Muslims. He was no “ivory tower” philosopher, however, but like some others was also a physician and an active politician. Information about his life is mainly based on a biography begun by him and finished by his disciple. Ibn Sina’s father was an official in the Samanid court in Bukhara and had some sympathy with the Isma‘ilis. From family talk Ibn Sina learned something about their doctrines as well as something of philosophy. Based on his own account Ibn Sina was a child prodigy (probably true, given his later accomplishments). By the age of 10 he had memorized the Qur’an and many literary works and by 18 he had studied fiqh and mastered medicine and philosophy largely by studying on his own.
