1.8.1 - Ibn Tufail (494/1100-581/1185)

Ibn Tufail is Abu Bakr Mohammed Ibn Abdul Malik Ibn Mohammed Ibn Tufail al-Qaisiy. He is an Andalusian born in the valley of Ashe near Granada, where he studied philosophy and medicine under Ibn Bejah until he became one of the greatest philosophers of Andalusia. He assumed the position of the ministry and was appointed the special doctor of the Sultan Abu Yaqoub Yusuf. He was famous for his story: Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, which was translated into several foreign languages, and he diffused in it some of his views and theories.

Ibn Tufail seized the love of the Caliph and was always under his care and attention. He did not leave his council, and the Caliph could not be patient without him. He also appointed him as a messenger to the scholars to invite them to attend the council.

Ibn Tufail died in Marrakesh in 581/1184, and the Sultan attended his funeral.