Anwar al-Jahiz

Anwar al-Jahiz was a prominent 9th-century Arab scholar, writer, and philosopher from Basra, Iraq. He is best known for his contributions to literature, biology, and theology, particularly in the fields of natural history and evolutionary thought. His most famous work, "Book of Animals," explored various species and their behaviors, showcasing early ideas about adaptation and survival. Jahiz's writings combined observation with philosophy, influencing later scholars, and marking him as a key figure in the intellectual history of the Islamic Golden Age. His work laid groundwork for future discussions on evolution long before Darwin's theories emerged.