Page 56 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

While some everyday practices in Islam – such as encouraging the timely pursuit of appropriate medical
ablution, fasting, and performing prayers – offer health treatment when necessary. 21
benefits, they are not strictly categorized under PM. Most This emphasis on health is reflected in PM’s focus on
Islamic jurists and scholars restricted the term PM to refer cultivating healthy habits, such as understanding health
specifically to prophetic curative practices. Subsequently, principles, balanced nutrition, food quality, fasting,
16
Islamic scholars compiled the Prophet’s sayings on diet, hygiene, exercise, and mental well-being. PM encourages
hygiene, first aid, and specific treatments into a dedicated practices like placing sick individuals under quarantine
section on health. This compilation was meticulously and prioritizing the health of children and women. This
analyzed by Islamic scholars who wrote commentaries to emphasis on prevention reflects PM’s commitment to
make this knowledge accessible to Muslims, forming the maintaining health rather than merely treating illness after
basis of what is now referred to as “prophetic medicine.” 17 it occurs. The ultimate goal is to build a healthy society by
Numerous historical texts titled “Prophetic Medicine” instilling healthy habits from a young age. 22
have been preserved in library and museum archives. Albar The preventive emphasis within PM demonstrates a
6
conducted a comprehensive review of approximately 40 tiered approach to healthcare, recognizing the varying
such texts. Recently, there has been a significant increase importance of different practices. This is exemplified by
6
in scholarly publications dedicated to PM, either as a the explicit discouragement of first-line treatments, such as
comprehensive field or focusing on specific aspects. These cauterization and bloodletting (venesection), highlighting
publications frequently cite the teachings and sayings of its adaptability to evolving medical knowledge. Throughout
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) concerning the therapeutic history, practices deemed less beneficial have not gained
properties of various herbs, foods, and natural elements, traction within Muslim communities, reflecting a nuanced
such as honey, black seed, and aloe vera. Furthermore, and evidence-informed approach to healthcare within the
they investigate the health benefits of practices such as framework of PM. 23
cupping therapy, breastfeeding, and the observance of
Islamic rituals like fasting and prayer, while emphasizing Current medical research has shown a renewed interest
the importance of basic hygiene routines. 18 in exploring the therapeutic potential of PM for various
illnesses. Ongoing studies are investigating the efficacy
Contemporary Islamic scholarship is witnessing a of prophetic remedies – often comprised of natural
resurgence of interest in the Prophet’s teachings on health substances, such as Nigella sativa (black seed), olive oil,
and wellness. Scholars are actively analyzing these historical and Ajwa dates – in treating conditions including viral
sources to identify principles applicable to contemporary hepatitis, traumatic injuries, and thalassemia. 24-28
healthcare practices and disease prevention. Concurrently, Furthermore, research efforts are increasingly focused
there has been a significant increase in scholarly discourse on identifying the bioactive compounds within numerous
surrounding Islamic ethical and legal perspectives on PM herbs, including wild thyme, barley, fenugreek,
contemporary medical dilemmas. This burgeoning field chicory, garlic, and onion. The appeal of these herbal
of Islamic bioethics encompasses a wide range of topics, remedies lies in their potential therapeutic properties,
including organ donation, the definition of brain death, cultural acceptability, enhanced biocompatibility with the
ethical implications of modern reproductive technologies human body, and generally lower incidence of adverse
(such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy), abortion, side effects. A recent review highlighted the promising
contraception, cloning, and genetic engineering. 19 potential of honey, figs, cupping therapy, N. sativa, camel

3.2. Clinical significance milk, Ajwa dates, and olive oil in preventing various forms
of anemia. 29-35
Numerous prophetic sayings offer advice on the prevention
and treatment of over 30 diseases. This knowledge In addition, certain PM remedies, such as cupping
20
is experiencing a revival in many Muslim countries, therapy, N. sativa, and camel urine, may exhibit the
emphasizing healthy living for both the body and soul. potential to suppress certain blood cancers and mitigate
The core principle of PM is that “prevention is better than the adverse effects of cancer treatments. N. sativa, camel
cure,” a theme that resonates through its teachings. While urine, and olive oil may possess anti-thrombotic properties,
PM strongly advocates for proactive disease prevention, while camel milk and olive oil may offer protection against
36
it also provides guidance for the treatment of existing cellular damage induced by toxins.
health conditions. Fundamentally, PM underscores In summary, there has been a significant surge of research
the importance of individual responsibility for one’s into PM therapies over the past 50 years. Many studies,
health, advocating proactive preventive measures while especially in Western medicine (allopathic medicine), are

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 48 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765