By Babatunde Jose
In Islam, seeking knowledge is a fundamental duty, highlighted by the Quran’s first revealed word, “Iqraa” (Read). Muslims are encouraged to use their senses—sight, hearing, and intellect—to gain knowledge, which strengthens their faith and relationship with Allah. Passing on knowledge is highly rewarded, and those who seek knowledge are promised rewards in this life and the Hereafter, including closeness to Allah and entry into Paradise.
The Quran and Hadith emphasize the value of knowledge, raising the status of those who pursue it. Knowledge helps Muslims understand Allah’s creation, fostering humility and consciousness of Him. It also remains a continuous source of good deeds after death, benefiting others. The pursuit of knowledge, both religious and worldly, is seen as a praiseworthy trait, exemplified by the prophets.
The Islamic Caliphate consisted of a society that was multicultural in terms of languages, customs, traditions and religion. As Islam spread from Arabia to countries surrounding them, they encompassed vast lands with peoples of different faiths and cultures. Thus the Islamic Caliphate not only consisted of Muslims from three continents, Arabs, Persians, Turks, Africans, Indians and other Asians, but also Jews, Christians and other faiths.
Therefore, during the apogee of Islamic civilization, scholars from all faiths worked under the umbrella of Islam to produce a unique culture of knowledge and learning. 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 (Meyers, 1964).
Two Muslim physicians who became 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.
‘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 (Meyers, 1964).
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 practicing 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” (Turner, 1995). 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 behavior and he was a pioneer in the field of psychology, thus removing the theories of demons and witchcraft associated with these diseases in the Christian world.
By the twelfth century Muslim physicians had produced many works: encyclopedias, medical biographies, texts on medical ethics, and on specialist topics such as ophthalmology.
Ibn An-Nafīs contradicted the theories of blood circulation as put forward by Galen. He advanced a theory of blood circulation between the compartments of the heart and the lungs, and of pulmonary circulation or lesser circulation.
In 1553, three centuries later, a Spaniard Miguel Serveto (Michael Servetus) forwarded a similar theory (Meyerhof, 1935). He was among the initial precursors to Harvey’s scholarly work that revealed the circulation of blood in the human body.
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, orthopedics and other diseases. These hospitals were to become models for hospitals as we know them today (Turner, 1995).
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.
In chemistry, the works of Jaber ibn Haiyan and Al-Razi formed the basis of modern science. Jaber, known 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 known as Liber secretorum bubacaris, described the chemical processes and experiments he conducted. Hill (1993) has stated that Al-Razi’s book ‘Secret of Secrets‘ foreshadows a laboratory manual that 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 (Turner, 1995).
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.
Apart from the foregoing, it is pertinent to note that the Quran itself mentions some medicinal remedies which have become time honored. One of such remedies is honey. Honey, with its rich, golden hue and soothing sweetness, has been noted as a powerful super food and medicinal source for thousands of years. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) frequently extolled the virtues of honey. A well-known Hadith states, “Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Qur’an.” [Tirmidhi] This shows that honey was not only considered a dietary substance but was also recognized for its curative capabilities.
Honey is mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, highlighting its significance and healing properties in Islamic teachings. In Surah An-Nahl (16:69), Allah describes honey as a miraculous product of the bees: “From their bellies comes a drink of varying colors, in which there is healing for people.” This verse emphasizes honey as a natural remedy with medicinal benefits, serving as a sign for those who reflect on creation.
In Surah Muhammad (47:15), honey is also featured as one of the rivers in Paradise, symbolizing purity and sweetness. The verse paints a vivid picture of Paradise with rivers of water, milk, wine, and honey, signifying the blessings that await the righteous.
In the Hadith, honey is recognized as a source of healing. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Healing is in three things: a drink of honey, bloodletting by cupping, and cauterization by fire, but I forbid my followers to use cauterization.” This narration, reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, reinforces the Quranic message about the medicinal properties of honey and promotes its use as a natural cure in various situations.
There are 7 Unique Health Benefits of Honey: Honey is nature’s energy booster, rich in carbohydrates, mainly fructose and glucose, which are excellent energy sources. It contains many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to its health-boosting properties. Among these are vitamin C, calcium, and iron, with darker honey typically possessing higher mineral contents than lighter ones.
Suppress coughing in children with honey: For children over 1 year of age, honey can act as a natural and safe cough suppressant. Some studies show that it’s even more effective than certain cough medicines.
It heals wounds: Topically applied honey effectively treats wounds, burns, and skin ulcers.
Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The anti-bacterial property is more effective if the honey is diluted with water. However, honey should not be fed to infants under 12 months as it may cause botulism.
Honey’s phenolic compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Honey is an old home remedy for a cough and sore throat. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can soothe the throat and reduce cough frequency.
Honey promotes the formation of melatonin due to its tryptophan content which helps the body recover during sleep.
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “When a son of Adam (i.e. any human being) dies his deeds are discontinued, with three exceptions: Sadaqah, whose benefit is continuous; or knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped, or a righteous child who supplicates for him.” [Muslim].
Anyone who is seeking knowledge during his life will be rewarded for it for eternity! Isn’t that an amazing way to think about continuing to seek more knowledge? Interested readers are free to download and read: Healing With The Medicine of The Prophet (SAW) By: Imam Ibn Qayyim Al – Jauziyah
Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend.
