Islamic medicine
Islamic Medicine
Islamic Medicine (pronunciation: /ɪsˈlɑːmɪk ˈmɛdɪsɪn/) refers to the range of health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.
Etymology
The term "Islamic Medicine" is derived from the religion of Islam, which significantly influenced the development of medical science during the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th century).
History
Islamic medicine was built on tradition, the works of Hippocrates, and the works of Galen, along with the ancient traditions of Persia, India, and China. Islamic scholars translated their works into Arabic and from the 8th century, Islamic medicine began to advance.
Key Figures
Prominent figures in Islamic medicine include Al-Razi, known in the West as Rhazes, who was a Persian polymath, physician, alchemist, and philosopher; and Ibn Sina, known in the West as Avicenna, who was a Persian polymath and the most significant physician and Islamic philosopher of his time.
Concepts
Islamic medicine was influenced by the principles of the Quran and Hadith, which emphasized the importance of preserving health, preventing disease, and treating illnesses. It also incorporated elements of Unani medicine, a system of medicine associated with ancient Greece and Rome.
Related Terms
- Unani Medicine: A system of medicine associated with ancient Greece and Rome, which was incorporated into Islamic medicine.
- Islamic Golden Age: The period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the history of the Islamic world, traditionally dated from the 8th century to the 14th century.
- Hippocrates: An ancient Greek physician, often referred to as the "Father of Medicine".
- Galen: A prominent Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher in the Roman Empire.
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