Summary:
Modern scientific and medical literature is rich,
describingthe qualities required for a good practicing
doctor. Moreover, ancient literature, historians, and
manuscripts of early Muslim doctors are also rich in
describing the traits of physicians that they should
embody to be sincere in performing their work. From the
Hippocrates and Galen era to Al-Razi, Ibn Sina, Al
Rahawi, and others, much emphasis was put on these
values, from the ancient Greek to Muslim Physicians.
Introduction
Abu Bakr Muhammad bin Yahya bin Zakariya Al-Razi
(250 AH/864 CE – 311 AH/923 CE) said: “Medicine is
the preservation of the health of the healthy and restoring
it to the sick as much as human capability allows” (1-3)
The inspired physician Avicenna (Sheikh al-Rais Abu
Ali, Hussein bin Abdullah Ibn Sina, who passed away in
428 AH), in his famous verse, defines medicine as “the
preservation of the health of someone who is ill, through
a cause in the body that led to a symptom.
However, Ibn Rushd (Muhammad bin Ahmad bin
Muhammad Ibn Rushd Al-Andalusi), also known as Abu
Walid (520-595 AH = 1126-1198 CE) had a different
perspective. He said: “The craft of medicine is a practical
profession based on truthful principles, aimed at
preserving the health of the human body and abolishing
illness.” (4)
Hence, Medicine is a unique and pioneering profession
because it deals directly with the human body, soul, and
emotions without any intermediary. Moreover, medicine
is also the only profession with power and control over
another person, where the patient voluntarily submits to
the doctor’s full authority without coercion. It is the profession with the most profound and direct impact on
the life, well-being, or even the demise of a person, or
their exposure to epidemics and diseases. For that doctors
need to be distinguished by multiple and unique qualities
as patients are completely vulnerable, exposing all their
personal sensations and physical barriers to the doctor,
who uncovers their innermost self without reservation.
In this regard, Ishaq bin Ali Al-Rawahi in his book “The
Ethics of the Physician” in the 4th century AH
stated:”The profession of medicine is the noblest of
professions, and its science is the oldest of sciences. It
must be ranked above all other professions and crafts
(5,6).
Mahmoud bin Saud bin Muslih Al-Farsi(710AH) also
emphasized the uniqueness of the medical profession,
describing it as a divine gift of great honor:”The science
of medicine is the noblest of sciences after divine
knowledge, for its subject is the human body….”It is a
difficult and almost impossible profession, reserved only
for those who are blessed with it. Not everyone who
desires it can attain it. According to both ancient and
modern scholars, it is a gift from the blessings of God. It
is a science among the divine sciences or one that is very close to them. Hippocrates, known as the father of
medicine (born on the island of Kos around 460 BCE),
said, “No human mind can fully grasp this science
The physician, as mentioned in ancient texts, must be
wise in all meanings of wisdom, possessing multiple
talents and diverse intellects, constantly distinguished,
balanced in their approach, logical, knowledgeable about
the sciences of humanity, in addition to being gifted with
bright traits alongside their medical skills. Al-Rawahi
mentioned in this regard: “Every philosopher is a
physician, and every virtuous physician is a philosopher.
A philosopher cannot reform anything but the soul, while
a virtuous physician can reform both the soul and the
body.” (6)
The General Knowledge of the Physician
Physicians must not limit themselves to just the medical
sciences but are expected to broaden their knowledge and
understanding in various theoretical and scientific fields
and be fully familiar with the history of medicine, its
origins, and the great scholars who contributed to its
advancement. Additionally, they must possess
specialized knowledge.
Therefore, a physician’s knowledge should include the
following:
1. Theoretical Sciences:
This knowledge comes from reviewing research, books,
writings, and records of the results of studies
implemented by past and present scholars in the fields of
medicine. For example, they must be familiar with the
legacy of ancient doctors like Ibn Sina, Al-Razi
Hippocrates, Galen, and others who shared their
opinions. They must also strive to understand and
uncover the complexity of modern scientific research. As
Sa’id bin Al-Hassan (the physician Abu Alaa Sa’id bin
Al-Hassan bin Sa’id, 464 AH) stated: “The physician must be diligent in studying, reading, and reviewing the
sciences of the ancients…” (8). Thus, a physician cannot
remain stagnant, content with what they have already
acquired in basic sciences but must engage in continuous
learning to keep up with new discoveries and medical
theories based on the knowledge of the past and the
efforts of modern scholars.
2. Practical Sciences:
Physicians acquire practical knowledge through attending
conferences, and training courses during their service, as
well as paying attention to patient follow-ups and
continuously being present in hospital departments. They
should also be familiar with medical laws and
regulations. It is essential to acknowledge that the
physician’s expertise and experience in practicing
medicine increase as they continue consulting and
treating patients and accept the notion that they are
constantly training and learning.
3. Specialized Knowledge:
Physicians acquire specialized knowledge by associating
with experienced professors and veteran doctors.
Through interactions with them, they benefit from their
distilled experiences, which help them absorb more
medical knowledge. They also gain from participating in
their discussions, interventions, and methods for treating
complex cases. All of this is facilitated through regular
and daily meetings with their mentors and colleagues at
all levels, whether in personal meetings, workshops, or
specialized conferences. The Arab physician Ibn Ridwan
(Abu Al-Hassan Ali bin Ridwan bin Ali bin Ja’far, who
grew up in Egypt in the 5th century AH and died in 460
AH) said in the first chapter of his book The Approach to
Happiness: “Either the learner finds an excellent teacher
who can explain the teachings of Hippocrates, thus
accelerating his education as rapidly as Galen’s, or he is
deprived of such a teacher and needs to learn from
Galen’s books, which prolongs the time of learning if he
applies the principles of logic in his education.” (9-10)
Physicians attributes
In addition to the previously mentioned characteristics of
the medical profession, a physician must possess
variety of personal qualities. These include, for example,
being of good character and integrity, not being spiteful
or envious, not hasty or impatient, and not greedy. The
qualities of a successful physician, as mentioned by Al
Rahawi, include “being forgiving of faults, patient with
people, steadfast and calm, knowledgeable in their work,
gentle, humble, quick to do good deeds, content and
grateful, delighted with sincere praise, abstaining from
vice, and pure in both heart and actions.” (5)
Galen (a famous Greek physician and writer, born to
Greek parents in the ancient city of Pergamum, now
known as Bergama in Turkey, in 130 CE, and died in 200
CE) described the ideal physician, noting the difference
between a physician and someone who merely practices
medicine: “A physician is the one who possesses all
virtues—knowledge of teaching, natural sciences, divine
matters, logic, medicine, good deeds, and excellent
character.” (11)
Sa’id bin Al-Hassan (8) described the traits of a
physician, stating: “The physician must have a balanced
temperament, be pure in heart, committed to their
religion, and follow the law. They should be intelligent,
quick-witted, and insightful, known for their honesty,
integrity, and care for the welfare of others. They should
be moderate in their desires, not greedy for wealth or
envious of others, well-mannered, well-educated, focused
on their studies and always reading, compassionate with
the weak and the poor, eager to treat them before the
rich, practicing chastity, and discreet in keeping secrets.
They should avoid excessive joking or error, not be
swayed by the temptation of alcohol, and should not indulge in vice or immorality.”He also stated: “A
physician must be calm, clear-headed, quick to act with a
strong mind, and trustworthy with the lives and wealth of
others. They must not prescribe harmful or fatal medicine
or anything that could harm an unborn child. They
should treat everyone, regardless of their status, with the
same dedication, as they would treat their loved ones.”
A physician must also be mindful of God when dealing
with patients, and the values of religion should guide
their character and actions, regardless of their personal
beliefs. Divine teachings, in general, encourage good
treatment of others, including patients, and all people in
general, as well as all creatures.
Ibn Ridwan believed that a virtuous physician should
possess several qualities, which he outlined as follows,
based on Hippocrates’ opinion: (12)
First: The physician must have a perfect physique, be
mentally sharp, have good eyesight, and possess rational
thinking and good temperament.
Second: The physician should be well-dressed, have a
pleasant scent, and maintain cleanliness in both body and
clothing.
Third: The physician must keep the secrets of their
patients and not divulge any details about their illnesses.
Fourth: The physician’s desire to heal patients should
surpass their desire for financial gain. They should
prioritize treating the poor over the rich.
Fifth: The physician should be eager to learn and focus
on benefiting others.
Sixth: The physician should have a pure heart, be
modest, truthful in speech, and not have any immoral
thoughts or desires related to wealth or women.
Seventh: The physician must be trustworthy, responsible
for the well-being of others, and not prescribe harmful
treatments or medications. They should approach their
patients with a sincere heart, whether they are enemies or
loved ones.
In this regard, the American College of Physicians
issued a document in 2002 titled The Medical Profession
Charter, which comprehensively outlines the
foundational principles of a physician’s interaction with
patients. It establishes three main principles and ten
essential responsibilities: (13, 14)
The Key Principles are:
1.Priority to Patient’s Welfare: This principle
emphasizes the physician’s commitment to
serving the patient’s best interests without
external influences.
2. Patient Autonomy: This refers to the
physician’s honesty with the patient and their
commitment to encouraging patients to
actively participate in decisions about their
treatment.
3. Social Justice: This principle ensures
equitable access to healthcare, which is
considered a right for every individual. It calls
on physicians to eliminate any form of
discrimination based on race, gender, or any
other basis that may prevent a patient from
receiving medical care.
While the Primary Responsibilities of the Physician are
This responsibility emphasizes that a physician must
maintain a high standard of medical skill and
continuously improve their qualifications throughout
their career. Continuous learning is crucial to ensure
competence and ability to meet evolving medical
challenges. Hence physicians should ensure having:
1.Appropriate Qualification
It is the physician’s responsibility to be at the
required level and have a good reputation for medical
skills, which requires continuous learning and
teaching throughout his or her life.
2. Commitment to Honesty with Patients:
A physician must be truthful and transparent with
their patients, especially when errors occur. If a
medical mistake happens, the physician must inform
the patients honestly and ensure them to investigate,
and mitigate any possible causes or risks that may
lead to further harm.
3. Adherence to Confidentiality:
The physician is responsible for maintaining the
confidentiality of patient information. This includes
not disclosing or discussing patient details without
the patient’s explicit consent, as protecting privacy is
a cornerstone of medical ethics.
4. Maintaining Professional and Humane
Relationships with Patients:
The physician should build and maintain a respectful
and professional relationship with patients. This
relationship should not foster dependency on the
physician nor be influenced by ulterior motives such
as financial or sexual interests.
5.Commitment to Improving the Quality of Care:
A physician is responsible for continuously striving
to provide the best possible medical care. This means
collaborating with relevant institutions and pursuing
ongoing improvements in the delivery of care and
treatment standards.
6.Commitment to Improving Accessibility to Health
Services:
Physicians must work toward facilitating access to
health services for all patients, particularly in public
health and preventive care, ensuring that healthcare is
available and accessible without delay or hindrance.
7.Commitment to Fair Distribution of Healthcare
Resources:
It is the physician’s responsibility to ensure that
healthcare resources are distributed equitably. This
includes the appropriate procurement of medical
equipment and resources required for the healthcare
provision.
8.Commitment to Neutrality in Conflicts of
Interest:
A physician should always prioritize the patient’s
well-being above other interests, especially when
there are potential conflicts with the interests of
pharmaceutical companies, medical device
manufacturers, or other entities providing healthcare
support.
9. Commitment to Professional Responsibility:
Physicians must respect the opinions of their
colleagues and seek input, when necessary, whether
from local or international experts. This helps
strengthen professional relationships and enhances
their skills through collaboration and feedback.
10. Commitment to Keeping Up with Scientific and
Technological Advances:
Physicians must continuously update their
knowledge and practices in line with scientific
developments and the latest technologies. This
ensures that they are equipped to meet the patients’
needs effectively, utilizing the most advanced tools
and methodologies available in healthcare.
Physicians Negligence and Mistakes:
The medical profession does not tolerate negligence or
error, as these can lead to severe consequences, such as
worsening the patient’s condition or even causing death
or permanent disability.
Moreover, it results in a significant loss of reputation for
the physician and potential legal and moral
consequences. Galen, in his differentiation between a true
physician and a mere practitioner, stated: “A true
physician is the one who has perfected all the virtues and
acquired extensive knowledge in medicine, philosophy,
natural science, and ethics. If anyone lacks any of these
characteristics, they are not truly a physician but merely
a practitioner.” He also stressed that someone who
claims to be a physician without adequate training is a
fraud and unworthy of respect in the medical field. Some
of these individuals, who claim expertise in medicine
while lacking essential knowledge, may seek to assume
leadership roles, which can be harmful to both patients
and the profession. They are ignorant and dangerously
uninformed, often unable to distinguish right from
wrong, and their presence in the field can cause lasting
damage to public trust.
Choosing and Testing a Physician
In general, when seeking medical advice or consultation,
the selection of a physician should be based on a
comprehensive assessment of their qualifications,
knowledge, and ethical standards. The primary means of
testing a physician’s competence is through inquiries into
their professional history to confirm the depth of their
medical knowledge and their adherence to the principles
of the profession.As noted by Al-Shirazi, ” If a physician
is modest, religious, and upright, then consider them for
your care.” The physician’s reputation, success in
treating illnesses, and ethical standing play significant
roles in their selection. Books, research publications, and
scientific endeavors also help identify the best candidates
for medical care, as these achievements reflect the
physician’s knowledge, dedication, and
competence.Furthermore, Al-Shirazi pointed out that a
physician’s intellect is not only reflected in their
knowledge but also in their ethical demeanor, self
restraint, and avoidance of indulgence in worldly desires.
“A physician’s true intellect begins not with the breadth
of their knowledge, but with their ethical character and
their ability to resist temptation.”
Sa’id bin Al-Hassan set forth additional criteria, stating
that;”A physician should not approach patients until they
are called upon. This shows respect for their status and
prevents the physician from becoming overly familiar or
too eager to impose themselves on patients, which could
diminish their authority.” He advised against excessive
familiarity and stressed maintaining a balance in
professional conduct.On the other hand, Al-Rawahi
believed that testing a physician’s knowledge is essential.
He added that; “it is equally important to observe a
physician’s actions, both in personal conduct and in their
interaction with others, as this provides a clear
indication of their competence and understanding”
Thus, the selection of physicianshould be based not only
on theoretical knowledge but also on their moral
behavior, professional reputation, and consistent display
of expertise in their field.
Benefits of the Medical Profession and Medical Sciences
The field of medicine offers profound reflections on the
greatness of God’s creation. The intricate components of
the human body—whether fluids, cells, organs, or
systems—all work tirelessly since birth or even before
without rest, except in the case of death. Some organs
like the heart, begin functioning from the moment of conception, while others start after birth or even later in
life. All of these are signs and miracles that testify to the
greatness, power, and oneness of the Creator. Physicians,
as the first observer and contemplator of this magnificent
creation, are uniquely positioned to witness the marvels
of God’s work and to dedicate their efforts to the
preservation of human health. This fosters a deep sense
of belief and motivation to pursue further education and
care for humanity.
It is truly astonishing that a practicing physician, who
witnesses the miracles of God’s creation firsthand, does
not increase in faith. If a physician does not find their
faith in God strengthened through these experiences, they
are, without a doubt, ignorant and far from true
understanding, thus deserving of great loss.Moreover, the
physician and the science of medicine are blessed with
divine favor—granting the physician the continued grace
of mercy, forgiveness of sins, and the joy of maintaining
physical health, mental peace, and spiritual contentment.
All of this is a divine blessing that necessitates gratitude
to God and a commitment to the profession for the
benefit of humanity.
As Ibn Ridwan mentions in his book “Maqalat fi Sharaf
al-Tibb” (Chapter 1), “The benefits and virtues of this
profession are immense; they pertain to the body, the
soul, the attainment of Allah’s grace, the acquisition of
wealth, and the attainment of leadership and honor.”
In conclusion, we beseech Allah to protect us from the
evil within ourselves and from those who are misguided.
May He illuminate our hearts with the light of knowledge
and guidance, and may He grant us clarity and insight to
see the divine care surrounding us. We pray that we may
be among the physicians who are steadfast in our faith,
ever mindful of Allah in our treatment of patients.
References
- 1-https://ar.lib.efatwa.ir/45203/1/248
2. لوﻷا ءزجلا ،يزا ﱠرلا ركب وبأ ،بطلا يف يواحلا
3. Ullman, Manfred – IslamicMedicine
Survey – Edinburgh University, 1978, p. XIII https://www.jstor.org/stable/44450546
4. https://iep.utm.edu/ibn-rushd-averros
5. https://archive.org/download/aalam_almaarifa/233.pdf
6. https://www.islamstickers.uk/forum/attachments/medical-errors-pdf.16/
7.http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/Museum/hippoc.html
8.https://www.islamstory.com/ar/artical/340774
(saad bin alhassan)
9.http://www.ishim.net/ankaadan6/alimasri.htm
Abdul Nasir Kaadan)
10. 565 ، ءابنﻻا نويع : ةعبيصأ يبأ نبا
11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galen
12. Leclerc, Lucien : Histoire de la
Franklin, New York, USA, 1978, tome 1, p
13. ABIM Foundation. American Board of Internal
Medicine; ACP-ASIM Foundation. American
College of Physicians-American Society of Internal
Medicine; European Federation of Internal Medicine.
Medical professionalism in the new millennium: a
physician charter. Lancet. 2003; 136:243
14. Medical Professionalism Project. Medical
Professionalism in the new millennium: a physicians’
charter. Lancet. 2002; 359:520
15. Reuben Elder. Quality of Care. MedicinskaNaklada.
CMJ Book Collection. Zagreb, 2005
