The adab al-tabib of al-ruhawi : its significance and relevance to contemporary medical ethics

Abstract

This research studies the first book written in Islamic literature on medical ethics. The main aim of this work is to identify the foundation on which al-Ruhāwī, the author, built medical ethics. The thesis shows that this book was written according to the Islamic worldview - despite the claims that the author was aNestorian Christian. The second finding isthat the author placed emphasis on belief as an important criteria. He bases his other arguments on medical ethics on this point of view.The ethical standard of al-Ruhāwīstems from both responsibilities on and rights forthe mind, the body and the soul. The study also shows how a theoretical (philosophical) base will affect the practical ethical codes: professionality test and the treatment fees. According to this thesis,the philosophy in general and Islamic philosophy in particular can deliver a better understanding of and effect onMuslim medical students, and will also reduce the dichotomy between what they believe (religion) and practise in medicine.