Eighth to the Sixteenth Century - Rashid Islamic Center

Facets of the Islam and Science Relationship • 67anchored in the QurāĀn and a belief system that takes the Earth as aSign of the Creator.Other Branches of ScienceIn addition to the already mentioned branches of science, there areothers—such as zoology, veterinary science, alchemy, and variousmedical sciences—that had numerous direct and indirect relationswith Islam. For instance, the QurāĀn mentions a number of animalsand birds by name and speaks of their benefits to humanity.Chapters 2 and 16 of the QurāĀn are named after the cow and thehoneybee, respectively. Horses are specifically mentioned in manyverses. The first five verses of the hundredth chapter, for instance,describe charging horses in magnificent rhythm. Eating meat ofcertain animals is considered unlawful in Islamic Law. Many plantsand fruits are also mentioned in the QurāĀn. These verses of theQurāĀn provided a certain theoretical framework for the cultivationof zoology, botany, and other related sciencesThe words and practices of the Prophet also formed the basis ofpractical psychology which was greatly advanced by Muslim scientistsand scholars. Practical psychology was also shaped by the QurāĀnicverses dealing with the relationship between human condition andthe Creator. Indeed, the hearts receive tranquility by the remembrance ofAllah, we are told in a verse (Q. 13:28). The Prophet recommendedspecific supplications to the sick. It was his practice to visit the old andthe sick and give them hope and joy. The verses of the QurāĀn andthe practice of the Prophet were used by Muslim scholars to developa comprehensive framework for the practice of sciences related tohealth, preventive medicine, and psychological well-being.Within the overall framework of Islamic medical sciences, thetradition of the “Prophetic Medicine” was obviously directly inspiredby the teachings and practices of the Prophet of Islam. Studies inthis particular branch of medicine were accompanied by an effortto preserve the exact words of the Prophet. His sayings dealingwith health, sickness, hygiene, and other issues related to medicinecontain specific references to diseases such as leprosy, pleurisy, andophthalmia. He recommended remedies such as cupping, cautery,