The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 10)
Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and His Role in the Development of Medicine
Abu Ali Hussein ibn Abdullah (371–428 AH), commonly known as “Ibn Sina,” is one of the most renowned figures in the field of medicine, following Imam Razi. Due to his significant contributions to medicine, he earned the titles of “Sheikh al-Raees,” “Emir of Physicians,” and even “Father of Medicine.” Ibn Sina expertly integrated medicine with philosophy, playing a crucial role in shaping the practices and theories of many physicians and philosophers.
Dr. Islam Mazni remarks on this integration, stating: “For us, Imam Abu Bakr al-Razi and Abu Ali Sina are the best evidence for this approach, as these two great men were both physicians and philosophers. Their works combined these two fields, resulting in writings that profoundly influenced the understanding and theory of medicine. Many physicians, up to the fifth century CE, categorized medicine into two branches: scientific and practical. Nevertheless, they did not view the practical aspect as being separate from the theoretical.”
In the introduction to his seminal work Al-Qanoun, Ibn Sina elaborated on the two distinct aspects of medicine: “When it is said that one part of medicine is theoretical and the other is practical, it should not be understood to mean that one aspect concerns learning about science while the other relates to its practice, as is commonly perceived. Rather, you should realize that this division denotes something else: both parts are sciences in their own right. One part focuses on the principles of medicine, while the other concentrates on the methods of practice. Thus, the first type is recognized as a specific science, while the second is regarded as practical application.”
He also explains his inclination toward medicine and the writing of medical texts: “I developed an interest in the science of medicine and began to study its literature. Medicine is not an overly difficult science, and I inevitably became skilled and prominent in it within a short period. Medical experts even studied this discipline with me, and I frequently interacted with patients, which opened the doors to practical treatment experiences.”
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