Islamic Medicine

1. Islamic Medicine By Mr Day Downloaded from SchoolHistory.co.uk

2. Lesson Objectives • To understand and learn about the nature and importance of Islamic Medicine.

3. Introduction to Islam • Islam is a new religion by world standards. • Based on the teachings and wise statements of the prophet Muhammad. • Muhammad died in 632 AD • Followers of Islam are called Muslims. • Muslims are expected to live their lives by the holy book of Islam – the Qur’an.

4. Influence of Islam • After the death of Muhammad Islam was ruled by people called Caliphs. • Caliphs tried to spread the word of Islam whenever they could. • The Qur’an said hygiene was very important. • As Islam spread Mosques and baths were built.

5. Learning • Islam encouraged learning. • Arabic doctors used Greek texts. • Some Arab doctors developed these ideas in their own books. • Arab doctors were very familiar with the work of people such as Hippocrates.

6. Treating Patients • Muslims believed that diseases could be sent by God. • Unlike Christians Muslims believed in finding remedies for disease rather than relying on prayer. • As a result Islamic medicine was far more advanced than medicine in the West.

7. Other points to Remember… • Islam believed Hygiene was important for health. • Charity and caring for others encouraged. • Hospitals set up for sick. • Sick people even given money so they didn’t have to rush back to work.

8. What to do next…. • Read diagnosing and treating disease. • Discuss with your partner how disease was diagnosed and treated. • Construct a spider gram to illustrate the factors you discussed.

9. Avicenna… Hospitals... Diagnosing and treating disease. Drugs… Rhazes…

10. What we have learnt today… • Islam built on the knowledge and understanding of other cultures. E.g. Greeks • Islam encouraged the development of medicine through the words of the Qur’an. • Diseases were diagnosed and treated.