Exploring the Interconnectedness of Microcosm and Macrocosm
In the name of
Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah Almighty has created the
universe, both the microcosm and macrocosm, with such infinite styles and
countless varieties within the framework of the divine laws, using the
unparalleled formula of "Be and it is", where the fundamental unit
and symbolic essence is the human atom. This is the basis upon which the
recognition and development of human essence, outwardly and inwardly, are manifested. This same fundamental unit harmonizes with the universe, unraveling
the mysteries of occult sciences and secrets. Even if the particle is referred
to as the universe and vice versa, there would be no difference because Allah
has created within the human atom all perfections, sciences, arts, and miraculous
laws, with special arrangements. When efforts are made to understand reality through the insight and wisdom of this atomic basis, a specific system,
order, pattern, and regulation persist from the particle to the cosmos. When research and scrutiny are conducted, the mind is bewildered by the marvels
of creation and the heart is fascinated and delighted by the mysteries of
understanding.
Understanding the Divine Formula of Creation
The latest
research of the present era reveals that this universe comprises various
celestial objects, electromagnetic radiations, magnetic fields, and various
elements, including plasma, dark matter, and dark energy. Similarly, Allah has
embedded within the creation of humans all the hidden and manifest secrets and
realities that appear in the vast expanses of the cosmos. Therefore, the
relationship between the microcosm and macrocosm is so profound and exact that
the current research indicates that understanding human anatomy can lead to an
awareness of the realities of the universe. For this purpose, numerous human
sciences have emerged, which, stemming from historical events and experiences
since the time of Adam (PBUH), continue to explore the facts of human creation
within the expanses of the cosmos until the end of time.
The Human Atom: Microcosm Reflecting the Macrocosm
Among these
human sciences, the most important and fundamental is the "Science of
Wisdom," which has been a part of human creation and the peaks and valleys
of history. Its discoveries, from philosophical hypotheses to the logical
aspects of modern science, testify to the unity of Allah's vast creation, such
as the discovery of DNA, quantum jumps, and the Cambrian Explosion, proving
that creation has not evolved.
Unraveling Mysteries from Particle to Cosmos
Studying human
history reveals that the "Science of Wisdom" is an extremely vast
field that encompasses almost all sciences, just as humans contain within
themselves the universe. In these sciences, the science of medicine holds a
special and significant position, which elucidates the structure, arrangement,
health, and illness of the human body. The history of medicine shows us that
from Adam (PBUH) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the laws of medicine have been
presented in various forms, from the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, and
Greeks, whose theories still exist in some tangible form and have become part
of the vast expanse of medical knowledge.
The Convergence of Human Anatomy and Universal Realities
In fact, the
truths about human creation and its atoms' structure and composition, as close
as they were to perfection and completion, remained constant and direct, while
the rest of the unknown paths became lost. The beginning of medicine and the
determination of its founder are discovered through ongoing research and
additions, and old books become the tales of the past. However, research based
on stone tablets suggests that the area between the two rivers (the Tigris and Euphrates) was the first center of medicine.
Insights into Human Essence and Cosmic Laws
In 1952,
Karemer and Martin Lewis presented the oldest medical document on the oldest
stone tablet, indicating that the beginning of medicine was around three
thousand years ago, during the reign of the Samarian Empire, settled between
the Tigris and Euphrates. After nearly two thousand years, when the empire was
divided into two parts, it was divided between the northern and southern parts.
That is why with this research, Asclepius, who was the disciple of Prophet
Idris, comes first as a physician, then Galen's era is mentioned, which
established the basic structure of medical science, including all the
discussions of medicine from the past until the Hippocratic Oath. Through
these, the theory of humorism (Humaral Theory) and the proofs of the elements
were presented (and especially WHO has conducted special research and studies
to regulate the theory), Galen also explained the physiology of the body,
revealing the 6500 functions of the body for the first time, dissecting the
muscles and explaining the structure and functions of the stomach.
The Evolution of Human Sciences: A Historical Journey
Aristotle's
research into nerves is remarkable, and calling the heart the center of the
vascular system is indeed extraordinary insight, as is explaining the process
of digestion in the stomach.
From Adam (PBUH) to the Modern Era
Georges Sarton
writes that research from Galen to Aristotle in physiology and embryology
played a vital role in the advancement of medical science, to the point that in
622 AH, the Islamic era began and the star of Greek medicine shone. When these
researches are conducted, the discoveries of Arab scholars and physicians in
the deserts of Arabia are found, revealing the mysteries of nature,
illuminating the sciences, arts, and wisdom with the light of Allah's signs,
especially the sacred personality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who clarifies the
reality of every particle of the universe with divine words, enlightening
sciences, arts, and wisdom with miraculous elegance. It is due to these
fundamental researches and additions of that era that Greek medicine essentially
became Arabic and Islamic medicine. The tradition of research (which is the
legacy of Muslims) incorporating the theories of medicine from Egypt, Babylon,
Alexandria, Greece, Rome, India, Iran, China, and Japan into the folds of
medicine, took it to its peak. The achievements of Arab scholars and physicians
in the field of medicine, including organizing all previous medical theories,
discovering various points, instituting reforms, and then establishing
principles and laws through documented research, is an achievement that is not
found in the earlier eras nor seen later. However, later benefits are derived
from its remnants.
The Foundations of Medicine: Tracing Back Through Time
In the era of
Prophethood, the Medicine of the Prophet (peace be upon him) relies on two main
sources: the Quran and the Hadith (Prophetic traditions). Within these sources
lie truths that are in complete accordance with the mysteries, apparent
phenomena, laws of nature, and human instincts. Throughout history, these
truths have continued to be discovered and understood.
Early Insights and Pioneers
Even during the
era of the Khilafat-e-Rashidah "Rightly Guided Caliphate" following
the Prophetic era, the influences of Prophetic medicine were prominent. Later, during the era of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (646 – 715 CE), several
distinguished physicians like Masarjawaih, Tiadhouq, and experts in chemistry
such as Khalid ibn Yazid and Jabir ibn Hayyan made remarkable contributions.
Their discoveries, both empirical and non-empirical, are undeniable evidence of
the practical applications of chemistry today.
The Birth of Medicine: Samarian Empire to Galen
Translations
and compilations flourished during this period and beyond, leading to the
dissemination and advancement of medicine. This convoy of knowledge extended
from the sacred lands of Hijaz, Sham, Morocco, and Algeria to regions as far as
Italy through the routes of Jabal Tariq, Qurtuba, and Sisili. Ibn Masawayh was
the first to perform dissections on animals similar to humans and made
significant additions to anatomy and the benefits of organs. His famous
student, Hunayn ibn Ishaq, became the greatest translator of the Arab world,
elucidating concepts such as bone marrow and explaining that bile flows from
the gall bladder, causing jaundice when there is portal hypertension, affecting
the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body, leading to conditions like
hepatitis, cirrhosis, and obstructive jaundice.
Unearthing Ancient Medical Origins
Similarly,
Thabit ibn Qurra translated numerous works of Galen, which not only confirmed
many theories but also introduced new terminologies.
Galen: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Islamic Era
The 10th
century is distinguished by the great figure of Islamic medicine, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, who first identified the recurrent laryngeal
nerve of the vagus nerve, shed light on the functions of the ciliary muscle of
the eye, and explained the processes of contraction and dilation of light and
darkness. He distinguished between smallpox and measles and engaged in
extensive discussions on pediatric diseases. In the same century, Ali ibn AbbasMajusi wrote the masterpiece "Kitab al-Maliki" in which he first
presented the system of the capillaries and explained that the fetus does not
come out of the mother's abdomen by itself but is expelled due to uterine
contractions.
Advancements in Physiology and Understanding
Abu Sahlal-Masihi, in the same era, conducted important research on the construction
and functions of cardiac valves and provided detailed explanations of the
absorption and metabolism of food at various stages of the esophagus.
The Golden Age of Islamic Medicine: Contributions and Legacy
Furthermore,
Ibn Zuhr, a prominent figure of the time, laid the foundations of modern
surgery and introduced surgical instruments into medical practice.
Arab Scholars and Physicians: Shaping Medical Science
In the 11th
century, the renowned scholar and ophthalmologist Ibn al-Haytham wrote the book
"Al-Manazir" (Optics), presenting such precise details regarding the
eye that were previously unknown. His work laid the foundation for future
advancements in the understanding of visual perception, lens terminology, and
the mechanism of corneal transplantation.
Prophetic Medicine and the Rightly Guided Caliphate
These
contributions by luminaries of Islamic medicine paved the way for modern
medical science, shaping the understanding and practice of medicine to this
day.
Integration of Quranic and Prophetic Traditions
In the same
century, the most distinguished figure in the field of medicine was Sheikh
al-Ra'is Abu Ali ibn Sina, whose renowned work "The Canon of Medicine" (Qanun fi al-Tibb) remained dominant in the field of medicine in
Europe and the world for several centuries. He was the first researcher to
challenge Greek physicians by explaining that even in tough tissues like
bones, swelling and inflammation can occur, suggesting that tumors and growths
can develop. The 19th century witnessed advancements in the study of pathology,
which not only acknowledged Ibn Sina's findings but also raised new questions,
particularly in oncology, as elucidated by Hazrat Dost Muhammad Sabir Multani
(creator of the Simple Organopathy "Moajad Qanoon-e-Mufred al-Azwa").
Advancements in Chemistry and Dissemination of Knowledge
Ibn Sina's
research covered diseases and symptoms related to nerves, muscles, veins,
arteries, and bones, as well as general and specific medicines and cardiac
medications. His meticulous investigations give the impression that he was
dissecting the body with insight and certainty as if the human body lay open
before him. He elaborated on the structure and connections of bones, the
quality and quantity of respiration in respiratory disorders, and the changes
associated with them, which are still significant today.
From Translation to Application
He wrote about
two types of nerves, sensory and motor, and their functions. The 11th
and 12th centuries also saw the contributions of many other physicians and
scholars, whose services are revered worldwide. They worked tirelessly for the
promotion and advancement of medicine, with remarkable achievements. Among them
were Jibril ibn Abdullah, Ibn Abi Sadiq, Ali ibn Isa, Abdullah ibn Jabril,
Ismail Jorjani, Abu al-Barkat Baghdadi, Ibn Zahrawi, Ibn Rushd, and others.
Contributions Beyond Ibn Sina: A Legacy of Excellence
Similarly, in
the 13th century, the research of Sharaf al-Din, Ibn al-Ankif (Al-Amadah fi
al-Jiraha), and Ibn Nafis (Mujadid Nazariyat Dauran Khun) is evidence that the
meticulous research conducted by these physicians laid the foundation for new
theories in medicine. They shed light on various aspects of diseases and
introduced germ theory, which not only laid down the initial principles but
also provided comprehensive scientific explanations. Ibn Nafis, in particular,
in 1242 CE, not only anatomically described but also discussed the functions
and benefits, making significant contributions to the field.
Furthering Medical Understanding and Practice
Overall, the
efforts of these scholars and physicians of the Arab world towards scientific
inquiry were not limited to "medical science" alone; rather, they
encompassed the fundamental realities of the universe, which form the basis of
modern research in various fields such as astronomy, physics, mathematics,
geometry, linguistics, engineering, chemistry, botany, geography, philosophy,
and logic, including metaphysics. These pursuits aimed not only to understand
the human body but also to comprehend the broader aspects of the universe.
Continued Progress: The 13th and 14th Centuries
When Arab
medicine reached Europe, America, and Russia, the research and scientific
sources of these scholars and physicians were admired for many centuries, and
some European physicians continued to prosper by translating the works of Arab
scholars and adhering to their research. For instance, Culpepper, a Western
herbalist, translated "The Canon" and established Western empirical
medicine, adding herbal astrology from Chinese medicine to make his book unique
and renowned. Interestingly, there is no mention of Ibn Sina in his work.
Similarly, William Harvey, credited with the theory of blood circulation, was
preceded by Ibn al-Nafis by 300 years, who thoroughly discussed this theory in
his work. Doctor Sheikh Ibrahim (New York University) prepared a case study in
2004, affirming Ibn al-Nafis as the true founder of the theory of blood
circulation.
Expanding Horizons and New Discoveries
In the 14th
century, Arab scholars continued to astound the world, and subsequent scholars
and physicians followed their footsteps, adhering to their research and
developing practical applications. This phenomenon can also be observed in
Europe and Russia, but the difference lies in their perspectives and theories.
Arab scholars and physicians derived their principles from the laws of nature
and the universe, systematically organizing them from the whole to the part,
providing logical proofs, whereas in Europe and Russia, they often approached
from part to whole, with less emphasis on holistic principles and more on
specific results, leading to limited practical applications.
Legacy and Impact: Influence on Modern Medical Science
Ultimately, the
endeavors of these scholars and physicians to comprehend the essence of
humanity through scientific and empirical inquiry serve as a means to
understand "human existence" through various mediums. Similarly, when
considering the advancement of Arab medicine in Europe, America, and Russia, it
is evident that their research and contributions have left an indelible mark,
shaping medical practices and scientific inquiry for centuries to come.
From Past to Present
For this
reason, the latest research until today may become the oldest by tomorrow,
becoming obsolete futile, and ultimately impractical. This struggle of
theories is evident in every field of life and in every part of the world.
Undoubtedly, a researcher sacrifices their life for humanity and to
fulfill their potential by delving into research. However, when theories go
astray, they may still serve, but at the expense of benefiting humanity less.
This distinction pays tribute to the wisdom and physicians of the Arab and
Greek world, whose theories are still alive today, and their practical form
persists in one way or another and will always remain.
Challenges and Perspectives in Contemporary Research
All these
discussions ultimately trace back to the tireless pursuit and relentless
efforts of a great personality of the 20th century, whose scientific and
research endeavors and boundless dedication elevated Arab and Greek theories to
a significant level. Arab and Greek theories are indeed related from one
physician to another, but history has not seen anywhere that the science of
medicine and wisdom has been expressed in such an invaluable, comprehensive
system that establishes the immutable laws of nature and power, adorns the
horizons and universe with human adaptation, and for the first time elucidates
the practical analysis of the subconscious senses, systematically organizing
the vast knowledge spread over millions of pages of medical science in an extremely
easy and universally understandable manner.
