5. Discovery of deception and falsehood in commercial dealings of
jewellers and goldsmiths who cheat their customers and trade in
adulterated commodities and counterfeit gems. They practise fake
and fraudulence, and the true connoisseurs are rare. Skilled artisans
are few, and the field of gemmology itself is still little known and
developed. He also realizes that precious stones and minerals need
further exploration in understanding, appreciating and defining
their natural, chemical and physical properties as well as the actual
prices and qualities.
6. An effort to fill in the gap in order to enrich Islamic culture with
valuable and enduring human experiences that render life worth
living. In his approach and manner of evaluation of the subjectmatter, and his deliberations, the author was rational, down-toearth and systematic in considering ideas reflected in the Muslim
society at large, (He anticipates a better way of life to many in the
community, al-ummah, upgrading various commercial transactions,
and hopes for more refined human social relations).
Beruni also reiterates that human problems were not only economic
or political, but in the first place moral and spiritual; that money, gems
and material possessions should not take priority; although the majority
are deceived to believe that they are so in reality. Instead they ought to
do what is right, cooperate or complete on a higher level of mutual
respect and interests, and live in harmony, acquiescence, humility and
peace with one another, Within the framework of the state and religion,
they ought to work together sacrificially and with dedication both for
temporal as well as for eternal good, prosperity and universal happiness.32
Contents of the Main Text
Beruni's introduction to al-Jamahir represents a master-piece in
socio-political technical and literary contribution of the period. The
main text of the book deals with the general topics of the mineral
kingdom at large, such as: the formation of minerals, their discovery,
evaluation and usages. Often there are discussions on the romantic lore
and the legendary traditions and wonders of the mineral kingdom in
classical antiquity periods, and also in Islam until Beruni's time. Likewise, the author has projected the marvels of contemporary geology,
crystallography, the classically well-defined metal and non-metal specimens, and metallurgy. The minerals are described and reported through
known occurrences and account of expert connoisseurs and collectors'
aspirations, as well as the amateurs' hobbies. Here myth, fancy, and
scientific and technical facts join together. They all present a framework
in a royal line of specialties, masterpieces of precious treasures, sites
