THE MEDICINE OF THE PROPHET

It would be somewhat of an understatement to assert that the notion of ars medicine has been substantially transformed from its classical definition as the art of healing. Practitioners of modern medicine would probably be more inclined to refer to themselves as practicing the science of medicine, dispatching all other forms of treatment to the shamanistic margins where abide “traditional,” “alternative,” or “complementary” medicines such as acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, herbalism, and bush or tribal remedies. Then there is Islamic medicine, an altogether tricky term to pin down. Some belief it to be a comprehensive form of medicine based on a complete system of theory and practice. Others say it’s largely a medieval notion that has been abandoned by all but the most tribal Muslims as the Arab World moves inexorably into the 21st century. Still, others view it in prophetic terms, as having been crafted from the central religious text and core source of all knowledge in Islam, the Qur’an, with natural remedies for most ailments and specific prayers that must be recited for any disease to be conquered.