Islamic Physicians Of The Past
The Ethical Role of the Physician: A Classical and Islamic Perspective
Throughout history, physicians have held an honourable and respected position within society. Medicine was regarded not merely as a profession, but as a vocation requiring sacrifice, discipline, and sincere commitment to the preservation of human life. When we compare this noble legacy with certain contemporary practices, a clear tension emerges. In particular, the modern acceptance of practices such as abortion and euthanasia raises ethical questions that appear to conflict with the foundational principle of the Hippocratic Oath: to preserve life and do no harm (Miles, 2004).
Beyond technical knowledge and clinical skill, the classical understanding of medicine emphasised the moral and spiritual character of the physician. A doctor was expected to embody virtues such as integrity, patience, humility, and compassion, while avoiding traits like envy, greed, haste, and spite.
Early Muslim scholars wrote extensively on medical ethics. Al-Rahawi, in Adab al-Tabib (Practical Ethics of the Physician), described the ideal physician as forgiving, patient, calm, and steadfast. He emphasised knowledge, humility, sincerity, and purity of heart, alongside abstinence from vice (Al-Rahawi, cited in Levey, 1967).
Similarly, Galen distinguished between a true physician and one who merely practises medicine, asserting that a genuine physician must possess knowledge of science, logic, and moral philosophy, in addition to excellent character (Nutton, 2013).
Saʿid ibn al-Hasan further elaborated on these qualities, stating that a physician must have a balanced temperament, purity of heart, and commitment to religious principles. They should be intelligent, perceptive, honest, and deeply concerned with the welfare of others. He stressed moderation, compassion—especially towards the poor—and the importance of confidentiality and moral discipline. He also explicitly prohibited prescribing harmful or fatal treatments or anything that could endanger an unborn child (Al-Hasan, cited in Islamic medical literature; see also Padela & Arozullah, 2011).
Ibn Ridwan, drawing on the teachings of Hippocrates, outlined additional principles: physical and mental fitness, cleanliness, confidentiality, prioritising patient welfare over financial gain, and a commitment to lifelong learning (Pormann & Savage-Smith, 2007).
From a Shiʿa Islamic perspective, these ethical principles are deeply rooted in religious teachings. Human life is sacred and considered a trust (amānah) from God. The preservation of life is one of the primary objectives of Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharīʿah) (Kamali, 2008).
The teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt emphasise compassion, justice, and accountability. In Shiʿa thought, a physician is accountable not only to society but also to God. Intentions (niyyah) are central; medical practice becomes an act of worship when performed sincerely for God’s sake. The sixth Imam, Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, emphasised that knowledge must be accompanied by ethical conduct and righteous action (Al-Kulaynī, Al-Kāfī).
Furthermore, causing harm intentionally—whether to a patient or an unborn child—is generally prohibited in Islamic law, except in narrowly defined circumstances such as when the mother’s life is in serious danger. Even then, decisions must be guided by necessity (ḍarūrah) and ethical deliberation (Sachedina, 2009).
In conclusion, both classical medical traditions and Shiʿa Islamic teachings present a unified vision of the physician as a figure of moral excellence, intellectual rigour, and deep compassion. The role of the physician extends beyond treatment to embody ethical integrity and spiritual awareness. Revisiting these principles offers valuable guidance for addressing the ethical challenges faced by modern medicine today.
References
Al-Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb. Al-Kāfī. (Various editions).
Kamali, M. H. (2008). Shari’ah Law: An Introduction. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.
Levey, M. (1967). Medical Ethics of Medieval Islam with Special Reference to Al-Ruhawi’s “Practical Ethics of the Physician”. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society.
Miles, S. H. (2004). The Hippocratic Oath and the Ethics of Medicine. Oxford University Press.
Nutton, V. (2013). Ancient Medicine. Routledge.
Padela, A. I., & Arozullah, A. (2011). “Islamic Bioethics: A Primer.” Bioethics, 25(3), 169–178.
Pormann, P. E., & Savage-Smith, E. (2007). Medieval Islamic Medicine. Edinburgh University Press.
Sachedina, A. (2009). Islamic Biomedical Ethics: Principles and Application. Oxford University )