Al-Jahiz seeking knowledge, artistic impression

Artistic impression of Al-Jahiz as a passionate learner in his youth, by Ali Amro.

Al Jahiz was born in Basra in 776 during the rise of the Golden Age of Muslim civilisation, and was known to be an avid learner. He read Greek literature especially Aristotle. Seeking to widen his intellectual horizons further, he travelled to Damascus, Beirut, Samarra and Baghdad where he resided for many years.