ISLAM AND MEDICINE

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARS

The Islamic Empire consisted of a society that was multicultural in

terms of languages, customs, traditions and religion. As Muslims went
forth from Arabia to conquer other countries surrounding them, they
encompassed vast lands with peoples of different faiths and cultures.
Thus the Islamic Empire not only consisted of Muslims from three
continents, Arabs, Persians, Turks, Africans, Indians and other Asians,
but also Jews, Christians and other faiths. Therefore scholars from all
faiths worked under the umbrella of Islam to produce a unique culture
of knowledge and learning.
 MEDICINE
Muslims gained access to the Greek medical
knowledge of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and
Galen through the translations of their works in
the seventh and eighth centuries. These
initiatives by Muslims could be seen in the
different aspects of the healing arts that were
developed. The translation movement of the
twelfth century in Latin Europe affected every
known field of science, none more so than
medicine.
Two Muslim physicians who become known in Europe during this period were
Ibn Sina (980- 1037) and Al-Razi (865-925). Ibn Sina devoted his life to the
study of medicine, philosophy and other branches of science. Renowned
throughout medieval Europe as Avicenna, he established free hospitals and
developed treatments for diseases using herbs, hot baths, and even major
surgery. His famous book The Canon of Medicine was translated into Latin in
the twelfth century and it was used in medical schools throughout Europe until
the advent of modern science .The Canon of Medicine contained all Greek
medical knowledge together with Arabic interpretations and contributions. Ibn-
Sina wrote some 99 books dealing with philosophy, medicine, geometry,
astronomy, theology, philosophy, and art. Ibn-Sina was also known for Kitab al
Shifa (Book of Healing), in which he divided practical knowledge into ethics,
economics, and politics, and theoretical knowledge into mathematics, physics,
and metaphysics (the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles
of things) .
Al-Razi, known in Latin as Rhazes, excelled in the powers of observations
and wrote some 184 works on topics that he studied as a practising doctor.
One of Al-Razi’s books, Treatise on Smallpox and Measles, was translated
into Latin, then English and other European languages, and “went through
forty editions between the fifteenth and nineteenth century” .Furthermore, he
established separate wards in hospitals for the mentally ill, thereby creating
the means for clinical observations of these diseases. Al-Razi also included
in his studies ideas involving human behaviour and he was a pioneer in the
field of psychology (the scientific study of the human mind and its functions),
thus removing the theories of demons and witchcraft associated with these
diseases in the Christian world.
Muslims using their clinical and surgical knowledge established
hospitals. These institutions were far superior to any that existed in
ancient times or in lands beyond the Islamic Empire. In medieval
Europe most hospitals were attached to religious orders and
monasteries. In the Islamic world, during the eighth century the first
hospital was built in Damascus; having separate wards for males and
females, and special wards for internal diseases, surgery,
orthopaedics and other diseases. These hospitals were to become
models for hospitals as we know them today

Important surgical treatises were written in the tenth and the eleventh
centuries in Andalusia by Abu’l-Qasim al-Zahrawi, known in Europe as
Abulcais. His book Kitab al-Tasrif (Book of Concessions), a medical
almanac, was translated into Latin and used by Muslims and in
European medical schools. The twelfth century physician in Muslim
Spain, Ibn Zuhr, known as Avenzoar, wrote works especially in
anatomy that had a great influence on medical practice in medieval
Europe. Thus in the medical field scholars from the Islamic world had
much to contribute both in terms of working with ancient knowledge
and through the major developments of their own. Moreover, they
verified their theories through careful observations in the hospitals that
they had established.
Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmacy

In chemistry, the works of Jaber ibn Haiyan and Al-

Razi formed the basis of modern science. Jaber,
know as Geber in Latin, described in his works the
preparation of many chemical substances: the
sulphide of mercury, oxides and arsenic compounds.
Al-Razi in his book Secret of Secrets know as Liber
secretorum bubacaris, described the chemical
processes and experiments he conducted. Hill
(1993, p.83) has stated that Al-Razi’s book Secret of
Secrets ‘foreshadows a laboratory manual’ it deals
with substances, equipment and procedures. Muslim
chemists developed recipes for products that had
industrial and military applications. The discovery of
inorganic acids during chemical experiments had
valuable industrial applications in the centuries that
followed.
In the fields of pharmacology and pharmacy Muslims
made notable progress. These fields involved scientific
investigation into the composition, dosages, uses and
therapeutic effects of drugs. Having translations of
Dioscorides’ De Materis Medica, along with knowledge
from Syria, Persia, India and the Far East, Muslim
scholars and physicians showed great innovative skills.
They developed the procedures for the manufacture of
syrups and juleps, and established apothecary shops.
Ibn al-Baytar’s book Al-Jami‘fi al-Tibb (Collection of
Simple Diets and Drugs) contained detailed records of
the plants in the lands along the length of the
Mediterranean coast between Spain and Syria. In
addition, he systematically compared this knowledge
with that of the scientists of previous eras. His book on
botany was used until the Renaissance by Europeans.
 Disease Causation
Definition
Disease is a dynamic process and its just opposite to
health. Health denotes perfect harmony and normal
functioning of all the body system or state of complete
wellness whereas disease denoted disharmony deviation
from normal functioning of various body system.

A disease is a particular abnormal pathological condition

that affects part or all of organism is often construed as a
medical condition associated with specific symptoms and
signs.

Death due to disease is called death by natural causes.

there are four main types; pathogenic dease, dificiency
disease, hereditary disease and physiollogical disease.
Disease may be communicable or non communicable .
 Theories of Diseases Causation.

Pre-modern era theories of disease causation;

Religions often attribute disease outbreak or other misfortunes to
divine retribution -punishment for man kinds sins and imbalance
among four vital Humors within us.
Miasma Theory;500BC Miasmas are poisonous emanations from
petrifying carcasses, vegetables, molds and also the invisible
particles. This theory led to explanation of several outbreak of
cholera, plague and malaria
Germ theory; Louis Pasteur, Lister and others introduced the
germ theory in 1878 . In 1890 Robert Koch Proposed specific
criteria that should be met before concluding that a disease was
caused by a particular bacterium. Only single germ in responsible
for causation of a specific disease.
Web of Causation; Epidemiological concept.(The occurrence of
disease is not random and the study of populations enables the
identification of the causes and preventive factors associated with
disease )
 Pre Modern Era (before 1850) theories.
Devil and witchcraft (Demonic Theory)

Punishment from God (Punitive Theory)

That punishment can change behavior, that criminals will accept

responsibility through punishment, and that the infliction of pain will deter
criminal behavior.

Metaphysical theory; causation theory States that disease never

depends upon single isolated cause; rather it develops from a chain
of causations

Miasma-Bad Air (Miasmatic Theory)

 Pre Modern Era (before 1850) theories.
Devil and witchcraft (Demonic Theory)

Attributed disease to supernatural powers, the produc of animism which imbued all
Moving things with a spirit

In this spirit world disease could be produced by witched,superhuman entities

and spirit of the dead.

Treatment therefore include……

Divine Wrath/Punitive Theory

-Disease was the product of a displeased supreme being

Disease was a punishment.
 Metaphysical Theory
Development did not assume
the existence of a supreme
being either domonic or devine
assumed the presence of occult
forces beyond the physical
universe. Doctrine of signatures
which suggested a similarity
between the disease and its
cure .
Theories of Diseases Causation.
Demonic Theory
CURING OF FEVER
BENEFITS OF FEVER
The Prophet’s Guidance On Curing Diarrhea
ISLAM AND MEDICINE
LECTURE NUMBER 4
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be
taken empty stomach early in the morning as
it gives an instant kick and energy
boost which is enough to counter an entire
day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of
honey not only gives a good night's sleep but
also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind
and body
ALLAH SAID
 PRODUCTION OF HONEY IN BEES AND ITS
MEDICINAL VALUE

The Quran states that it is female honeybee that is

involved in honey making and sheds light on the
organ in the body of the female honeybee that
produces honey. The Quran also indicates the
usefulness of honey as medicine.
The Quranic revelation that “Allah instructed the
honeybee” indicates that the information on
building hives, preparations for honey making,
the mechanism, etc., is available in its
biosoftware. It is true that every organism
functions in accordance with its biosoftware
(biological program). However cases like
honeybee are specially mentioned in the Quran
to make us think. This is also pointed out at the
end of the verses quoted above. As we know the
honeybee is a marvelous creation, a wonder to
human mind.
The information given in the Quranic verses about the
honey is scientifically valid. Honeybee colony
comprises three castes namely,
the queen bee,
the worker bees, and
the drones (idle bees).

The queen and worker bees are females while drones

are males. It is important to note that the use of the
Arabic word “attakhithi” in the verse 16:68 indicates
that it is female bee involved in the production of
honey. This is true as it is worker bees that make
honey.
The queen and worker bees are females
while drones are males. It is important to
note that the use of the Arabic word
“attakhithi” in the verse 16:68 indicates
that it is female bee involved in the
production of honey. This is true as it is
worker bees that make honey.
The worker bees collect the liquid nectar from
flowers by drinking it through its straw-like
proboscis (mouth part). About 80% of the
nectar is water. The nectar goes into a special
stomach called the honey stomach for storage.
Inside the honey stomach, the complex sugars
of the nectar are broken down into simpler
sugars by specific enzymes. Once the honey
stomach is full, the worker bee returns to its
hive and regurgitates the modified nectar into
the mouth of a younger worker bee in the hive.
The hive bee ingests the sugary offering and
further breaks down the sugars.
It then regurgitates the inverted nectar into a
cell of the honeycomb. To bring down the
water content of the regurgitated material, the
hive bees flutter their wings vigorously fanning
the nectar to evaporate water. This makes
honey viscous as the water content comes
down to 14-18%. Following that, the hive bee
caps the beeswax cell containing honey for
consumption later during seasons when food
is in short supply. The color and flavor of
honey vary depending on the nectar source
(flowers).
Scientific evaluation of the honey particularly its
therapeutic value has been made only recently.
More than 95% of the solids in honey are
carbohydrates, a highly complex mixture of
sugars that are readily digestible. Many of these
are not present in the nectar but are formed
during storage in the honey stomach of the bee.
The honey is acidic (pH 3.2-4.5), the
predominant acid being gluconic acid. Honey
contains a number of amino acids and several
enzymes predominantly invertase, glucose
oxidase, amylase, catalyse, and phosphatase.
The bactericidal property makes it very effective in
the treatment of gastroenteritis. Anaemia could also
be corrected by treatment with honey. Gastric
ulcers have been successfully treated using honey
as a dietary supplement. Honey is an effective
treatment of wounds as it is non-toxic, non-
irritating, self-sterile, bactericidal, nutritive, easily
applied and more comfortable than other
dressings. Honey was also found to be a suitable
sweetener for the type II diabetic diet . Studies
have also shown that besides having antibacterial
action, honey has several other beneficial effects
on the wound healing process.
It gives rapid autolytic debridement and deodorising
of wounds, and stimulates the growth of wound
tissues thus hastening healing and starting the
healing process in dormant wounds. It also provides
a moist healing environment for wound tissues with
no risk of maceration of surrounding skin, and
completely prevents adherence of dressings to the
wound bed so that there is no pain and no tissue
damage when dressings are changed .All these
confirm scientific validity of the Quranic revelations
on the production and medicinal value of honey.
Cupping reduces cardiovascular disease risk and
treats various diseases such as hypertension,
migraine, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke
rehabilitation, and effectively influencing the
autonomic system.
The best time to do cupping
The best time to do cupping is after the full moon; Rasulullah SAW
said: "Whoever does cupping on the 17th, 19th, or 21st day will cure
various diseases“.

The author of a book entitled AlQanoon, Sina (980–1037 BC) said:

"Cupping is not preferred at the beginning or end of the month.

Preferably in the middle of the month when the toxic substances in the
body accumulate". This condition happens because of the relationship
between the phases of the moon phase and the human body's
condition.
The moon phase can affect the heart's
performance, blood flow, and the human hormonal
system. Besides, there is an increase in sudden
death in epilepsy, acute behavioral disorders, non-
affective psychotic disorders, depression,
gastrointestinal bleeding, and acute myocardial
infarction during the full moon. Spontaneous
abortion and atrial fibrillation attacks may also be
associated with the moon phase

(a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the
brain)
(Psychosis is characterized by significant changes in a person’s perceptions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours.)
(A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies.)
(An irregular, often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow.)
 Procedure
Cupping can be;
wet or dry
In dry cupping cups are placed on intact skin and the aim is to
simply remove blood and fluid from the site of inflammation to the
surface of the skin.

Wet cupping, also known as bloodletting, is when an incision of

about 1.5 ml deep and 1.5ml wide is made with a special type of
lancet on the region of the skin where the cup is applied

The aim is to remove superficial blood that flows into the cup which
is thought to be full of toxic chemicals
Cupping is performed by creating a vacuum in the
cup placed on the skin by either applying a
heated cup on the skin which consumes the air
within it (fire cupping) or by using a suction pump
(suction cupping)

in fire cupping the practitioner may use a cup made of

glass, metal or wood (bamboo). the cups are then
heated by burning alcohol-soaked cotton within the
cups

The cup is then placed faced down flat on the skin as

the heat creates suction on the skin
 Suction cupping uses a suction pump to pump the
air out of the cup after it is applied to the skin

NARRATED IBN ‘ABBAS: (THE PROPHET (PBUH) SAID), "HEALING IS

IN THREE THINGS: A GULP OF HONEY, CUPPING, AND BRANDING
WITH FIRE (CAUTERIZING). BUT I FORBID MY FOLLOWERS TO USE
(CAUTERIZATION) BRANDING WITH FIRE” (SAHIH AL-BUKHARI).

Another quote from the sayings of the messenger of Allah (PBUH)

is: “The best treatment is cupping; it removes blood, lightens back
and sharpens the eyesight”.

The first thing some patients say after a wet cupping treatment is
that they feel light.
Muslims believe in the healing effects of cupping
and will continue using this method.

According to the ‘sunnah’ (the ways of the prophet)

the best days to perform cupping are the 17th,19th and
21st of the Islamic month which fall on a Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday. anas bin malik ra (may god be
pleased with them) stated: ‘the prophet (pbuh) used
the treatment of cupping on both sides of his blessed
head and shoulders and generally this treatment was
done on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the islamic lunar
month.’
 BREAK TIME;
FROM FRIDAY FEBRUARY
FIFTEEN,FIFTY FIVE FRENCH
FATHERS FRIED FIVE FRESH FISH
FOR FRENCH FRIENDS FROM
FRANCE
ISLAM AND MEDICINE
LECTURE NUMBER 4
In addition, in the Sahihain, it is narrated that
Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam
once had his blood cupped (medically) and paid
the person who applied the Hijamah (cupping).
Benefits of fever
The body benefits from the fever more than it benefits from taking
medicine,
1. The fever heats up and matures harmful substances which could not
have done without the fever
2. The fever causes various blockages to open especially those that
medicines cannot reach.
3. Helping against facial paralysis, paralysis affecting only one part of the
body etc.
 TYPES OF FEVER,

Accidental (sunstroke, movement ,

intense heat)

Ailment form a particular organ.

 BENEFITS OF HONEY,

It washes away the harmful substance that might be

collected in the veins and the intestines.
It dissolves excess moisture.
It is beneficial as a drink and an ointment
It is a greater value for elderly
Good for those suffering for phlegm and cold moods or
condition
It softens ones bowel movement and is good preserving
agent.
Reduces bitter taste for other medicines.

It cleanses the liver and chest

Dissolves the phlegm that is accompanied by coughing.

When honey is applied to someone that is infected with lice, it will kill both the
lice and the egg.

Honey will softeness and beauty the hair while allowing it grow longer.

It cleanses the stomach and rids it of harmful substance or mixtures, heats the
stomach mildly and opens up pores.

Honey does not have any side effects nor harm except for those suffering from
bile.
DRINKING SOME HONEY MIXED WITH WATER.

Eliminates the mucus found in the lungs

It prevents and removes parasites and bleeding form
digestive system

Eases cold and improves the body immunity system

It has strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal
properties
It removes all the toxin deposits from the body and
intestines.

People that are suffering from uncontrolled urination

during the night will find this mixture helpful
It makes your skin appear younger and shinier
 DROPSY TREATMENT
Dropy is usually symptomatic of ailment in the liver especially due
to congestion in the liver.

Milk of Arabian camels.

It open the clogged passages and the obstructions.

The she camels milk soothes the liver

Its is the softest, least concentrated and lightest milk.

Its the best choice for moving bowels, as a laxative and for
opening the clogged passgges and obstructions.

This type of milk is mildy salty as a result of the animal’s

instinctively hot nature.
It opens the pores and veins and softens the hardness of fresh
food.

Fresh, warm camels milk is beneficial against dropsy especially

when taken with fresh, warm camel urine thus making the
combination more salty and adding strength to its effectiveness in
dissolving harmful fluids and as a laxative.

Milk and urine of a camel have mild diuretic and laxatives that help
rid the body of fluids.

Camel milk is a mild laxative ,diuretic ,cleanses and opens that

which closed and removes the obstructions and soothes the body.
SCIATICA NERVE
 Sciatica is pain that starts along the sciatic nerve and
spreads down the buttock and the back of 1 thigh.
 TREATMENT OF SCIATICA
Chapters on Medicine (‫)كتاب الطب‬
BREAK TIME
GOOD DIET BETTER HEALTH
Euphorbia piteous (Shubrum)
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Antibacterial activity

Antimalarial activity

Anti-inflammatory activity

Galactogenic activity

Antiasthmatic activity

Antidiarrheal activity

Antioxidant activity

Antifertility activity

Antiamoebic activity

Antifungal activity
Senna
SILK GARMETS
Pluerisy
Indian Costus
Types of headache
Head ban
What are your favorites when
recovering from illness?
INDIAN COSTUS
Dates
The prophets guidance on foods
and drinks contaminated flies
Tharirah
 Signs of Symptoms of Jinn Possession and
Evil Eye

Jinn possession
Turning away and reacting strongly when hearing the adhaan or
Qur'aan.

Fainting, seizures and falling when Qur'aan is read over him/her.

A lot of disturbing dreams or nightmares.

Being alone, keeping away from people and behaving strangely.

The devil who is dwelling in him may speak when Qur'aan is read
over him
 Signs of Symptoms of Jinn Possession and
Evil Eye

Evil eye
▪ Headaches that move from one part of the head to another.

▪ Yellow pallor in the face. ▪ Sweating and urinating a great deal.

▪ Weak appetite.

▪ Tingling, heat or cold in the limbs.

▪ Palpitations in the heart.

▪ Pain in the lower back and shoulders.

▪ Sadness and anxiety.

▪ Sleeplessness at night.
 Signs of Symptoms of Jinn Possession and
Evil Eye

Evil eye
▪ Strong reactions due to abnormal fears.

▪ A lot of burping, yawning and sighing.

▪ Withdrawal and love of solitude.

▪ Apathy and laziness;

▪ Health problems with no known medical cause