Muslim Inventors of Reading and Writing Methods for the Blind: Predecessors of Braille

Over the past few centuries, there have been numerous attempts to find suitable methods that would help blind people read and write, thus improving their quality of life. At present, Louis Braille (1809-1852 CE) is probably the best-known inventor creating a writing system known as "The Braille Language" that aids the blind to read and write. Consequently, one question arises: Was Louis Braille the first one to invent the language for the blind, or did others precede him to that? Using descriptive analytical approach, this research aims to present three inventions by three Muslim scholars who created methods for the blind to read and write. The first of which dates to the 5th century A.H. (1009-1106 CE), i.e., seven centuries before Louis Braille's attempt. After reviewing and studying the relevant literature, the study concluded that like Braille, all three Muslim scholars used the sense of touch to achieve this goal. The first, Muhammad bin Abdul Warith (d. 5th century A.H.) created embossed figures from pitch analogous to the Arabic alphabetical letters to teach his blind son read and write. Second, Zein-Eddine Al-Amidy, (d. 712 A.H. / 1312 CE) a blind Muslim scholar, fashioned paper-made letters to read, write, and remember the prices of his books. Third, Wazir Al-Sarraj (d. 1149 A.H. / 1736 CE), another Muslim scholar, created waxed letters for his blind teacher to help him read and write.