Descriptions of the human anatomy derived from religious texts are often omitted from the medical literature. The present review aims to discuss the comments and commentaries made regarding the heart and cardiovascular system as found in the Qur'an and Hadeeth. Based on this review, it is clear that these early sources both had a good comprehension of these parts of the body.
Introduction
Progress within the 20th century alone has produced an immense amount of literature and understanding in anatomy, medicinal health and the correlation between the two. Our comprehension of the two, however, would not be possible without the important discoveries and critical observations of our predecessors such as the "Father of Medicine" Hippocrates (463-370 BC), the "Father of Modern Anatomy" Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), and Abu Ali al-Husain ibn Abdallah ibn Sina (Avicenna). While the contributions of Galen and Hippocrates are well known, contributions to medicine by numerous religious texts including Hindu Vedas, Judeo-Christian Bible and Talmud, and the Islamic Qura'an and Hadeeth (prophetic sayings of Mohammed) are often omitted from the literature.
Found within the Qur'an and Hadeeth are accurate descriptions of anatomical structures, surgical procedures, physiological characteristics, and medical remedies. In particular, prophylaxis of general diseases is emphasized by encouraging physical activity, herbal and organic remedies, and spiritual revitalization. Notably, within these two texts, is the emphasis on the heart and blood as both a vehicle for life and as an organ central to affecting emotion and attitude. Furthermore, the lifestyle prescribed by the Islamic traditions promotes longevity of life, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and discourages risk factors associated with such diseases. Therefore, it is evident that the authors of the texts had a good understanding of both etiology and pathology of many diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system.
This article was published as International Journal of Cardiology, published online on August 25, 2009.
Credit to Authors: Marios Loukas, Yousuf Saad, R. Shane Tubbs, Mohammadali M. Shoja.
Read the complete journal at the journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijcard or download it below.
 International Journal of Cardiology | [The heart and cardiovascular system in the Qur'an and Hadeeth] | 173 Kb |
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