BİRİNCİ FEN · ÜÇÜNCÜ BÂB · ALTINCI FASIL · Üçüncü Madde
Third Article
It is known that one-quarter of the globe, which has been open for settlement from before, besides a newly discovered continent (America) that is populated and open for settlement, is reported.
Esteemed one! It should be known that astronomers like Nasir al-Din Tusi and philosophers preceding him have said: From the intersection of the equator (the circle of modification) and the horizon circle on the earth’s surface, four parts are created; two of these in the north are populated and open for settlement, so that one-quarter of the globe is inhabited. The condition of the remaining three-quarters is unknown to us. These are either populated and open for settlement or covered by oceans. However, later scholars have completely explored and proven the condition of those three-quarters through sailing the oceans with ships (outside the settled regions).
Through these discoveries, many new pieces of knowledge have been attained that earlier scholars did not possess, thus making it impossible to restrict inhabited areas to one-quarter of the earth. Because in the year 1492 of the Christian era – corresponding to the 903rd year of the Hijri calendar – a skilled man in algebra from Andalusia, whom they call Christopher Columbus, along with diligent friars, set out to examine the conditions of the oceans. They embarked on three ships from the Port of Spain, beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, where the inner sea flows into the outer sea, with 120 men and sailed westward. They continued sailing along the Tropic of Cancer, aiming for twenty degrees north. That is, they traveled within a constant latitude of forty-three degrees. For he feared falling under both heat and cold from either side. He constantly observed the setting sun with a compass and proceeded in this manner for thirty-three days. And during this time, they covered a distance of three thousand eight hundred miles along the ocean coast. Many times those who were with him expressed their regret and wished to return. The men on board repeatedly accused him, saying, "You have plunged us into calamity, leaving all of us in these boundless seas without anyone or help." They even attempted to kill the skilled Columbus. He responded (maintaining his composure) as follows: “Your salvation from this whirlpool is only possible with a man who knows the conditions of the sea and can use astronomical instruments. If you were to kill me, you would all remain in these boundless seas and perish.” Sometimes he promised hope, sometimes he threatened, thus calming them.
At a time when Christopher Columbus and his company had lost all hope of rescue and were perplexed about what to do, suddenly they saw an uninhabited island before them. It had gurgling streams and tall trees. The sailors on board felt somewhat relieved and surrendered to Christopher Columbus. Then they set sail again and traveled for six days. They continued in the direction of sunset and during this time saw six empty islands. And among these, the largest one was named the Spanish Island. From there, they traveled eight hundred miles in a northwesterly direction. Finally, they reached a shore. For several days they surveyed the southern and northern sides of that shore (in order to recognize it). They realized that it was not an island. They noticed that a community lived there; those on land gathered towards the shore to see the ship and its occupants. However, as the ship approached the shore, all of them suddenly began to flee. For they initially thought the ship was a large and strange fish. Then when they understood that it was not a fish and that the people inside were human beings, they fled in terror. For they did not know what ships or boats were.
Nevertheless, those on board disembarked and ran after them to catch up. They gave many gifts to a woman whom they managed to catch and seize. They showed her respect and treated her kindly. Because they did not know her language, they indicated with gestures that she should summon the other people. The woman went to her tribe with the gifts and convinced them. She enabled them to come to the side of those on board without fear. In turn, they came over with reciprocal gifts – gold and silver ornaments, fruits, bread, various birds, diverse animals, and food. After this acquaintance and warmth, the men remained there for many days and months. They traded extensively. They named that place the West Indies and left behind forty of their men before setting sail eastward to return home. They presented to the King of Spain the gifts they had brought from the newly discovered world.
(The Spaniards) subsequently learned in the second and third years by sailing, the languages and customs of the people of the new world completely. And they determined that the distance was 5,200 nautical miles. However, due to the ocean current flowing eastward, while they reached (the West Indies) in fifty days, they were able to return the same journey in five months. Then, the skilled scholar Christopher Columbus, in the fourth year of his voyage (during which he set out for exploration), reached another new world (America), when a ruler of that land, named Casik, did not allow the learned Columbus to disembark; he prevented him from setting foot on shore. Because Columbus had no force to oppose him, he resorted to a wise ruse and said to his interlocutors:
“By acting in this way, you have wronged us. You have hurt us. I believe that your Lord will be angry with you for this action.”
Here's the translation of the provided text, aiming for faithfulness and preservation of meaning within a classical Islamic/Sufi context:
It has been decreed that on the morrow—that is to say, the southern hemisphere of this earth, which constitutes one-fourth of our known world—an eclipse of the sun shall occur. Christopher Columbus possessed the knowledge of this event through his calculations and astronomical understanding. Upon hearing these words, the people began to harbor doubts and awaited the coming day.
When the eclipse occurred at the hour foretold by Columbus, fear gripped the populace. They approached him with gifts, seeking reconciliation, and pledged obedience in all matters. Though they were a people given to idolatry, many among them abandoned their beliefs and embraced Christianity, the faith of Friar Christopher Columbus.
Christopher Columbus, along with his companions, remained in this New World for an extended period, conquering and administering its numerous territories over twenty years. They observed that the inhabitants of the northern regions varied in complexion, some fair-skinned, others darker. Those found in the southern regions were likewise diverse, some resembling Ethiopians, others swarthy. Their stature generally exceeded fourteen cubits, and they were typically tall.
The New World possesses abundant rivers, fruit-laden trees, towering mountains, and deep valleys. It is teeming with a myriad of birds and countless wild beasts—too numerous to enumerate. The number of its villages and cities, the extent of its valleys and plains, are known only to Allah, Who brought them into being. This New World is equal in expanse and character to the other continents previously known and reckoned as one-fourth of the inhabited earth; it is a world full of wonders. All these marvels bear witness to the boundless power of the Sublime Creator, confirming the glory of His artistry. The vastness of lands unknown until now within this New World has strengthened the conviction of those who contemplate events with insight. Yet, the writings of former generations and the records of bygone eras contain no mention of it; for from Adam’s time until the era of discovery, none had ever journeyed there—it was revealed by the decree of Allah, Ever-Living, Who brings all things into existence, and thus became known as the New World.
Thus, while the oceans cover a significant portion of the globe, there exist numerous large islands in that one-fourth of the earth’s surface yet to be inhabited, and within this New World revealed from that time onward. These islands are replete with majestic mountains, stones, valleys, plains, rivers, trees, orchards—countless blessings indicative of the unparalleled perfection of the Sublime Creator's artistry; all of which are known in detail only to Allah, the Exalted, Whose power brings forth night and day in succession, Who created the heavens and the earth. He alone possesses knowledge of every detail within these places and those others we remain unaware of. As it is stated in His Eternal Word: “No leaf falls but by His will.” (Al-An’am, 6:59)