The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 6)
The Role of Muslims in Medical Sciences
Paying attention to the sciences that have been the basic and main needs of Muslims has always been a top priority for them, and they have made indescribable efforts to study and acquire them, considering the religious teachings and commands of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). One of these sciences is medicine, along with all its branches. This discipline, which is one of the most important fields for the survival of the human race and the well-being of nations, was given special attention during the era of the Holy Prophet of Islam and subsequently during the times of the Islamic caliphs and Muslim leaders. Medicine acquired a privileged place among the sciences essential to Muslims.
The Commands of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) Regarding Medicine
The Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) addressed medical issues and the treatment of diseases in various hadiths. When he migrated to Medina, sick and ailing individuals would come to him seeking healing. He would pray for their recovery and say: “O servants of Allah! Treat yourselves, for Allah has not sent any disease except that He has also sent its cure.”
In another hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated: “Healing is in three things: cupping, drinking honey, and cauterization with fire, but I forbid my nation from cauterization with fire.”
It is narrated that he recommended the preparation of “Talbinah” (a soup-like dish) and regarded it as beneficial for the sick and those who are depressed or saddened. He said: “Talbinah strengthens the heart of the sick and alleviates sadness and grief.”
In a different hadith, it is mentioned: “Mushrooms are a food from the food of manna (the food that was provided to the Children of Israel), and their water is beneficial for healing the eyes.” Regarding treating fever, it has been said: “Fever is from the tongue of Hell, so extinguish it with water.”
To value medicine and avoid superstitions associated with it, Islam forbids practices such as putting amulets on animals, branding them, tattooing, fortune-telling, astrology, and other common superstitions. Accordingly, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) differentiated between a sorcerer and a physician, stating: “Whoever goes to a sorcerer or a fortune-teller and believes in what they say has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.” This distinction underscores the difference between the physician’s role and the practices of superstitious individuals like sorcerers and fortune-tellers.
Islam articulates a significant scientific truth: there is no disease without a cure. The absence of knowledge regarding certain diseases is attributed to human inaction and a lack of effort to expand our understanding; therefore, we must strive to find cures.
Islam also emphasizes personal hygiene as a means of protecting health and considers it a complement to faith. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated: “Cleanliness is part of faith.” Consequently, Islam has raised the issue of purity and impurity, identifying various phenomena and substances as impure and forbidden, including pus, bile, vomit, saliva of dogs and other predatory animals, pork, and anything that emanates a foul odor.
Islam has set stringent conditions for purifying impure objects, such as washing them multiple times, boiling them in water, burning them with fire, and allowing them to dry. Furthermore, it is mandatory to clean each part of the body to prevent impurity from affecting other parts; for example, the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered the cutting of nails to prevent dirt and impurity from accumulating beneath them.
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