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likewise a mathematician and astronomer, who flourished under the Caliph Al Motaded (who reigned A.H. 279-289, A.D. 892-902).
the education of his three sons, Mohammed, Ahmed, and Al Hassan. (Abilfragii Histor. Dyn. p. 280. Casiri, 1. 386. 418). Each of the sons subsequenily distinguished himself in mathematics and astronomy. We learn from Abulfaraj (l. c. p. 281) and from Ebn Khallikan (art. ثابت بن قرة) that Thabet ben Korrah, the well-known translator of the Almagest, was indebted to Mohammed for his introduction to Al Motaded, and the men of science at the court of that caliph. Ebn Khalikan’s words are:
فخرج من حرّان ونزل كَفْرَتُوْثَا واقام بها مدة الي ان قدم محمد بن موسي من بلاد الروم راجعا الي بغداد فاجتمع به فرأه فاضلا فصيحا فاستصحبه الي بغداد وانزله في داره ووصله بالخليفة فادخله في جملة المنجمين
“(Thabet ben Korrah) left Harran, and established himself at Kafratutha, where he remained till Mohammed ben Musa arrived there, on his return from the Greek dominions to Bagdad. The latter beeame acquainted with Thabet and on seeing his skill and sagacily, invited Thabet to accompany him to Bagdad, where Mohammed made him lodge at his own house, introduced him to the Caliph, and procured him an appointment in the body of astronomers.” Ebn Khallikan here speaks of Mohammed ben Musa as of a well-known individual: he has however devoted no special article to an account of his life. It is possible
