Few of us are aware of the fact that Islamic medicine has made an invaluable contribution to the science of medicine. We use various hygiene items, use other means that preserve our health, turn to doctors at the slightest ailment, create personal cards in clinics and treat ourselves in hospitals. In this case, hardly anyone thinks that much of what accompanies us in the field of medicine was invented by Islamic doctors.
It was their thirst for research and their firm faith in the words of the Prophet that Allah came up with healing for any illness sent forth, which made it possible to create many ways to get rid of ailments.
In the past, Islamic medicine was accessible to all people. In her hospitals of the medieval period, quite advanced treatment methods were used for their period. Moreover, the knowledge that was used in these institutions by physicians was available to all who applied to them for help.
Islamic medicine is also called the medicine of the Prophet. She offers healing according to the Sunnah or the prophetic hadith. This includes everything related to a person’s food, drinking and housing, marriage, etc. In this direction, the responsibility of doctors for the incorrect performance of their professional duties from the point of view of Islam is also provided.
Medical Bible
The most famous representative of Islamic medicine was the Persian philosopher, scientist and doctor Abu Ali Sina (980-1037). In Europe, he is known as Avicenna.
The main merit of this healer was the compilation of the “Medical Bible” by Ibn Sina. This is the most authoritative reference book that doctors have used for six centuries. This work reflected the descriptions of all diseases known at that time, as well as ways to get rid of them, indicating the necessary medicines. Al Kanon, written by Ibn Sina, was used in European universities as a teaching tool.
But Avicenna was left not only valuable knowledge in the medical field. He made an invaluable contribution to such sciences as astronomy, chemistry, mechanics, and philosophy.
Microbial discovery
Islamic medicine was the first to know about the dangers of contagious diseases. Even while writing his “Canon”, Ibn Sina suggested that ailments are caused by some tiny creatures. Avicenna was the first to draw attention to the fact that smallpox is carried from a sick person to a healthy one. At the same time, he correctly described the differences between plague and cholera, and also gave a clear definition of leprosy, separating it from other ailments.
The fact of the existence of microbes was discovered by a Muslim anatomist and doctor Ahshamsaddin (1389-1459). Another specialist, Kambur Vesim (d. In 1761), discovered a tuberculosis microbe. Ibn Khatib, who lived in 1313-1374, was the first to make a scientific assumption about the infectious nature of such a formidable disease as cholera.
Vaccinations
Islamic medicine was the first to apply vaccination. This happened 900 years before this method of preventing diseases began to be used in Europe. And this despite the fact that, according to the official version, the first doctor to offer vaccination was the Englishman L. Pasteur. At the end of the 19th century he did create rabies and anthrax vaccinations.
But Islamic medicine told about the emergence of immunity in patients who had a disease at the beginning of the 10th century. This is indicated by the works of the doctor ar-Razi. In them he described measles and smallpox. To prevent the infection of the latter, he used vaccinations.
Surgical procedures
There is evidence that the first operation to eliminate a malignant tumor was performed by Ali bin Abbas (d. In 994). This is confirmed by the description of this surgical intervention in the medical encyclopedia Kitabul-Malikhi. Interestingly, in terms of its level, this operation corresponds to all ongoing operations.
And the Muslim scientist Ibnun-Nafis (1210-1288) was the first to describe the small circle of blood circulation. With his discovery, he was three hundred years ahead of European researchers. This discovery of Islamic medicine is described in detail in the comments on the book "Canon", created by Ibn Sina.
It is also known that Muslim surgeons used anesthesia, while in medieval European healers hit the patients on the head, as a result of which they lost consciousness and ceased to perceive pain. In Islamic medicine, alcohol and opium were used for this purpose, and then, on the basis of experiments, they created general anesthesia and local anesthesia.
Treatment of patients in hospitals
The first hospital was opened by Muslims as far back as 707. All expenses for its maintenance were borne by the state. This was a time when in Europe, doctors were considered charlatans, and hospitals - the refuge of Satan. Surgeons who tried to conduct operations were completely persecuted.
In the 10th century. Muslims came up with the first outpatient cards. They recorded the patient’s medical history, taking into account the peculiarities of its development in childhood and past ailments.
Discoveries in Ophthalmology
Muslim scholars have long been at the forefront of research on diseases of the organs of vision. So, Ibn Rushd (1126-1198) became the first doctor in the world who studied the functions of eye tissue. For many centuries, the only source for information in this area was the work of the Tezkir, written by the famous physician Ali bin Isom. Nine centuries ago, the Muslim Ammar conducted eye operations.
In addition, Islamic medicine was the first to propose "reading stones." They were developed by the Basrian scholar al Hassan bin Heysam. It was he who first discovered the fact that glass surfaces can be used to enlarge when bent. The wise Basrian suggested using his biconvex lenses for reading in old age.
Islam medicine today
The contribution that Islamic physicians have made to the development of medicine is gaining more and more recognition today. The Muslim system of ridding a person of various pathologies, along with the ancient and ancient ones, attracts the attention of scientists and becomes the subject of research, which allows stimulating the further development of healthcare.
In those traditional methods used by modern institutions providing medical services, the human body is considered a kind of tool, under the influence of which doctors are trying to achieve success. The same point of view exists regarding diseases. They are considered as something tangible and measurable that is found in our body. In other words, a person who feels sick can be considered completely healthy if no pathology is revealed in him.
In Eastern methods, on the contrary, the body is considered as a whole. And when drawing up a course of treatment, Islamic medicine will certainly consider such aspects of treatment as the predisposition and sensations of what affects the general well-being. This allows us to consider health as a balance of the physical and spiritual state of a person, which provides the most effective diagnosis of the disease.
After numerous and unsuccessful attempts to turn to traditional medicine, many patients become interested in oriental techniques. One of them is the method of treatment according to the Sunnah. The medicine of Islam places its main emphasis on bloodletting (hijama). At the same time, she uses herbal medicine, indicates to the patient proper nutrition and draws attention to his emotional and mental state.
Hijama
This method, used by Muslim medicine, is truly unique. Hijama is a very ancient way of effectively getting rid of various diseases, involving bloodletting. Widely used among Muslims. At the same time, it allows you to cleanse the body of stagnant blood. This most important element involved in most processes vital to humans is not completely pumped by the venous-arterial system. As a result, blood remains in special “bags” and is used by the body only in the most extreme situations. These can be injuries, oxygen starvation, etc.
Such stagnation of blood leads to its aging. It loses its useful qualities and is polluted by harmful elements entering the body along with food and water.
With the help of hijama, a person gets rid of unused blood. And it has been repeatedly proved by modern scientists that a correctly performed procedure is very beneficial for health.
What are the uses and indications for bloodletting? Islamic medicine explains that after the hijama, a reserve mechanism is activated that works to restore the necessary blood level. This contributes to its renewal and elimination of pathologies such as impotence and prostatitis, low immunity and decreased libido, hemorrhoids and problems with veins, eye diseases and stomach diseases, sinusitis and diabetes, deafness and vision problems, etc.
Phytotherapy
Islamic medicine for men and women offers many recipes that include natural substances that the Prophet once spoke of as Muslims.
These natural ingredients are quite diverse, but the most common of them are the following:
1. Black cumin. This plant occupies a special place in the description of treatment according to the Sunnah. According to the Hadith, it is a cure for all ailments. Indeed, black cumin enhances immunity, improves lactation, helps to cope with asthma and the common cold, ulcers, rheumatism and gastritis, diseases of the kidneys and liver, skin and respiratory tract.
2. Honey. This is a real storehouse of minerals and vitamins. This beekeeping product contributes to the provision of tonic and anti-inflammatory, as well as antimicrobial action. It is used for various diseases, including angina pectoris and atherosclerosis, depression and encephalitis. Honey also helps with the depletion of the body.
3. Dates. The sacred Hadith says that they are "the fruits of Paradise." Indeed, in dates there is a large amount of fructose. It helps the brain to quickly receive all the nutrients it needs, and the stomach to prepare for a full meal. Islamic medicine especially recommends these fruits for women. Dates, according to the advice of the Sunnah, should be used by pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding. After all, they have many vitamins necessary for the baby to develop. For prevention purposes, dates are recommended to eliminate the risk of stomach cancer.
4. Olive oil. To obtain this product, pulp of olives is used. If the oil is obtained by the first cold-pressed method, then its constant use will reduce blood cholesterol levels. In addition, this product will supply the body with a large number of vitamins that will allow you to put your nails in order, eliminate signs of skin aging, have a positive effect on vision, and strengthen the intestinal muscles.
5. Ginger. This plant, which is often used as a spice, strengthens the immune system, improves concentration and memory, helps with coughing and sore throat, relieves stress.
Helba
This single- or multi-seeded plant belonging to the legume family is widely used in Islamic medicine. It gained the greatest popularity as a spice.
What is helba? This is a powder obtained after drying and grinding beans, having a coumarin flavor. It serves as one of the components of seasonings such as Hops Suneli, Curry and others.
What is helba? This plant, whose beans contain phytosterones and mucus, tannins and flavonoids, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, as well as many vitamins of group B, A and others. There are calcium and magnesium, iron and phosphorus in this gift of nature.
Helba has useful properties and contraindications, which should be clarified before taking it. So, a medicinal plant is used as a great anti-expectorant. They recommend it to eliminate the symptoms of a cold, to provide an antipyretic and diaphoretic effect. Helba is also one of the necessary products for the stomach, as it enhances the excretory function of the digestive glands, soothes the mucous membrane and improves the prostate secretion of the intestine. In addition, the healing plant helps rid the body of toxins and toxins.
Helba is used to get rid of a number of diseases. Most often it is used to relieve fever with a cold, as well as to eliminate complications after a viral infection. The seeds of this healing herb perfectly help to strengthen the immune system.
Islam medicine recommends helba primarily for women. The fact is that this plant contains a natural analogue of the hormone estrogen. That is why Helba helps with early menopause, in the treatment of female pathologies and with pains that bother during menstruation. Tea from this plant is also recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers. Islamic medicine for men advises helbu. It allows you to save them from impotence.
Young ground Helba seeds are held by the cheek with stomatitis. And the infusion made from them relieves a person from a sore throat. As a seasoning for Helba dishes, it successfully fights flatulence. Use the plant in cosmetology for the preparation of masks, soaps and scrubs.
Here are helba useful properties. And contraindications, however, she has too. These are allergic reactions, frequent urination, individual intolerance.
Recipes
What does Islamic medicine offer for the treatment of hemorrhoids? The recipe for getting rid of this disease is quite simple. You just need to make a mixture of olive oil and black cumin oil. The proportion of ingredients is recommended to take one to one. The mixture is taken in a course for 10 days, three tablespoons every day.
At the same time, it is necessary to massage the sore spot with black cumin oil. This will prevent constipation.
What other topical recipes does Islamic medicine give us? Cancer treatment with her advice is as follows:
1. Black cumin oil is applied to the affected area. At the same time, three times a day, you must drink a drink made from one tsp. black cumin oil and 1 cup of freshly cooked carrot juice. The course must be continued for three months.
2. Drink juice on an empty stomach until dawn, squeezed from one medium onion. The course lasts for one month.
3. Constantly take black caraway seed oil mixed with honey. This recipe is suitable for throat cancer.
How is intracranial hematoma treated in Islamic medicine? Strong bruises of the head, which are accompanied by concussion and partial loss of memory, will help to eliminate the mucosal burdock. Eastern medicine advises digging a bush of this plant. Its root should be the size of a medium beet. The whole plant is cleaned and washed from the ground. The stem and leaves are cut. Thus prepared burdock is placed in a bucket of water and cooked for half an hour over low heat.
The resulting cooled broth is watered on the head. Moreover, the drug is scooped up with bent palms. After that, a head is wrapped in a terry towel, tying a down scarf on top. This procedure is carried out for 10 consecutive days.
Islamic Medicine Centers
In our country, many hospitals, clinics and specialized medical institutions have been built, which are equipped with the most modern and advanced equipment. However, for the majority of those who accept Islam, medicine is attractive that which heals with the word of Allah. The number of people who want to get to such institutions is constantly growing.
A major Islamic medicine center is located in Chechnya. Here they remove the damage, the evil eye, and relieve the nervous and mental disorders caused by this. Various folk methods are practiced at the Center. Among them are bloodletting, prayer recitation for cumin oil, water and honey, which then need to be taken by patients as medicines. Works in the Center and his chiropractor. Using folk methods, they fight psoriasis and many other diseases here.
Muslim clinic "Shifa"
For those who wish to seek the help of doctors practicing according to the rules of traditional medicine, a modern Health Center has opened in Moscow.
Initially, the Shifa clinic specialized in treating women. However, Muslim doctors were in demand. In this regard, the clinic has expanded its circle of patients. And today, both women and men can turn here.
What are the features of this institution? This is a multidisciplinary clinic, which employs highly qualified specialists (among them there are candidates and doctors of sciences). These are surgeons and obstetrician-gynecologists, therapists and urologists, ophthalmologists and nutritionists, neurologists, etc. Doctors working in hijama work here.
At the Center for Islamic Medicine, only a female doctor provides obstetric care. Male staff are absent. The female doctor reads the adhan to the child, etc. Taking into account the religious aspect, a wide range of cosmetologist services, general and medical massage, etc.
Women who turn to the Shifa clinic often ask themselves: “Is it possible to put a spiral in Islam?” Most Muslim scholars agree that the use of contraceptives does not contradict the canons of this religion. It is allowed to protect from an unplanned pregnancy in Islam. However, the methods should not be harmful to health.
Is it possible to put a spiral in Islam? In answering this question, the opinions of scientists differ. In this case, doubts arise. After all, the spiral does not allow the fixing of an already fertilized egg. This leads to the death of the emerging organism. In addition, this method of contraception does not give a full guarantee, and pregnancy can still occur. In such cases, there is a high probability of various complications for both the woman and the child, and abortion in Islam is prohibited.
Is it possible for Muslim women to resort to the help of plastic surgeons? The answer to this question is presented in the Quran. This scripture prohibits the modification of the forms and qualities given to man by nature. Islam and plastic surgery can solve a single problem only if a person has any external defects that lead to psychological trauma. In this case, religion evaluates the operation to change the appearance as a treatment and allows it.