The Prophet (S.A.W) said, "In very hot weather delay the Zuhr prayer till it becomes (a bit) cooler because the severity of heat is from the raging of hell-fire.....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A)
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, "In very hot weather delay the Zuhr prayer till it becomes (a bit) cooler because the severity of heat is from the raging of hell-fire. The hell-fire of Hell complained to its Lord saying: O Lord! My parts are eating (destroying) one another. So Allah allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in the summer. The breath in the summer is at the time when you feel the severest heat and the breath in the winter is at the time when you feel the severest cold."
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 10, Number 512
The Antikythera mechanism was designed to calculate dates and predict astronomical phenomena almost 1500 years ago.
The Antikythera mechanism, often hailed as the world’s first analog computer, was discovered in 1900 by sponge divers near the Greek island of Antikythera. This intricate device, dating back to around 100 BCE, stunned researchers with its remarkable sophistication and precision. Found among the remains of an ancient shipwreck, the mechanism initially appeared as a collection of corroded bronze fragments, which later proved to be an astonishingly complex system of gears and dials. Upon further study, scientists uncovered that the device was designed to calculate dates and predict various astronomical events, such as solar and lunar eclipses and planetary positions.
Constructed with dozens of interlocking gears, the Antikythera mechanism demonstrates a level of engineering previously thought impossible for ancient civilizations. Using bronze gears to simulate the motion of celestial bodies, it tracked the cycles of the Sun and Moon, eclipses, and even the timing of ancient Greek athletic events. Its design allowed users to input a specific date and view the corresponding positions of celestial bodies, a feat unmatched until the development of mechanical clocks in medieval Europe nearly 1500 years later. Scholars believe that the device may have been inspired by the astronomical and mathematical knowledge that flourished in Hellenistic Greece, particularly in centers like Alexandria.
The mechanism’s discovery has challenged assumptions about ancient technological capabilities and knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. Despite being thousands of years old, it possesses a complexity that demonstrates the ingenuity and intellectual curiosity of its creators. Researchers have also speculated that the mechanism was likely developed by a highly skilled artisan or a team of experts, as its detailed craftsmanship suggests significant experience in gear-making and mathematical computation.
In recent years, advanced imaging technologies, including X-ray and CT scans, have enabled scientists to unlock more secrets of the Antikythera mechanism. These technologies have revealed inscriptions on the device’s surface, offering clues about its functions and providing a glimpse into the knowledge systems of ancient Greece. Yet, many questions remain unanswered, including how widely known or replicated such technology was in the ancient world and who precisely created it.
As the earliest known example of analog computing, the Antikythera mechanism continues to inspire modern researchers and enthusiasts alike, underscoring the timeless human drive to explore, understand, and predict the workings of the universe.
