طهير جلال الدين

“A khanjar for a story?” the old merchant chuckled, polishing the curved dagger in his shop. “I have a thousand stories, each sharper than the finest Omani blade.” Right here in Muscat, stands Tahir Jalaluddin artwork. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a tribute to a scholar, a reformer, and a man who bridged the worlds of faith and science. Sheikh Muhammad Tahir Jalaluddin, born in 1869, wasn’t just an Omani figure. His influence spread throughout Southeast Asia. He was a renowned Muslim ulama, a scholar whose wisdom reached far beyond the borders of his homeland. His expertise wasn’t limited to religious matters, though. Sheikh Tahir was also a respected astronomer, a falaki, whose calculations guided prayers and pilgrimages. He even published two treatises on the subject: “Natijatul’Umur” and “Kitab Jadual Pati Kiraan”. These texts, filled with complex calculations and logarithms, were essential tools for determining prayer times and the direction of the kiblat. Tahir Jalaluddin was a man of letters, contributing articles to publications like “Al-Imam” in Singapore. He was also a man of action, serving as a judge, a mufti, and even enduring imprisonment for his reformist views. But above all, Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin was a teacher. He dedicated his life to educating others, nurturing future generations of scholars and thinkers. His legacy extends even to the highest levels of government. His son, Hamdan bin Sheikh Tahir, served as the governor of Penang. Here in Muscat, the Tahir Jalaluddin artwork stands as a silent testament to this remarkable man. It’s a reminder of his contributions to religion, science, and education. It is a tribute to a scholar who looked to the stars and guided the faithful.