Description: (Theologian and scholar)
Al-Jāḥiẓ was a distinguished Arabic polymath celebrated for his significant contributions to literature, theology, zoology, philosophy, and linguistics. His extensive works covered a wide range of subjects including theory, criticism, rhetoric, and politico-religious polemics. Some of his notable writings include Kitāb al-Ḥayawān, a comprehensive zoological compendium; Kitāb al-Bayān wa-l-tabyīn, which delves into human communication; and Kitāb al-Bukhalāʾ, a collection of stories centered around stinginess. Al-Jāḥiẓ's zoological work is particularly esteemed for its valuable insights into natural selection, ethology, and ecosystem functions.