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Written by: Dr.Manal Taher Abdul Hamed
Pharmacist and clinical post graduate
“There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.” (Quran 3:18)
This verse encourages believers to seek knowledge, uphold justice, and recognize the signs of Allah in His creation. It beautifully underscores the harmony.
Accordingly, the Arab civilization, which was based on the principles of the Holy Qur’an and the Islamic religion, was interested in science, and one of its most important branches was the sciences related to health care that seek to preserve the human being and then his renaissance.
In the Golden Age of Arabic civilisation based on Islam , knowledge was a cherished treasure eagerly sought by early Muslims. Medical science and pharmacy were no exceptions. Muslim physicians emphasized preserving health through natural, gentle interventions. Their practice reflected the teachings of their religion, with the philosophy of “first, do no harm” echoing the Hippocratic principle.
Three Stages of Medicine in Islamic Civilization
1. Collection and Translation (7th Century):
• Early Muslims collected and translated medical knowledge from Greek, Persian, Assyrian Syriac, Indian, and Byzantine sources.
• Prophet Muhammad’s words, “Your body has rights over you,” paved the way for remarkable advancements in medicine, pharmacy, and health.
2. Elaboration and Expansion (9th–13th Centuries):
• Muslim physicians expanded the body of knowledge through experience, exploration, experimentation, and practice.
• The Golden Age witnessed original contributions by Muslim physicians in medical, pharmaceutical, herbal, nutritional, and botanical fields.
• Pioneers like Al-Razi (Razes) established hospitals, including specialized wards for mental illness. Al-Razi advocated holistic and spiritual medicine, emphasizing heart purification and ethical conduct.
• Ibn-Sina (Avicenna) laid the foundation for medical practice, compiling a complete Materia Medica and describing diseases and remedies in his influential work, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb.
3. Decline and Stagnation (Later Periods):
• During the last stage, decline occurred, reflecting the gradual deterioration of the entire Islamic civilization.
Contributions to Pharmacology
• Dispensing Medicines:
• Physicians and pharmacists dispensed medications in various forms, including ointments, pills, elixirs, confections, tinctures, suppositories, and inhalants.
• Pharmacists underwent examinations and licensing, monitored by the state.
• Muslim Scholars’ Impact:
• Al-Razi established a hospital in Baghdad, emphasizing holistic care and mental health.
• Ibn-Sina provided a comprehensive formulary, laying the groundwork for European medical study for centuries.
In summary, the Islamic civilization made significant contributions to clinical pharmacy, emphasizing patient-centered care, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of knowledge. These achievements continue to inspire and shape modern medicine
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