“Put a piece of meat in various parts of town and see in which place it will get rotten more slowly, that would be the proper place for a hospital.” That was the extraordinarily wise and innovative advice of a famous Iranian physician, who at that time lived in Baghdad, to the people who were in search of the most suitable place for building a hospital.This great physician is no one other than Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Razi, also known as Ar-Razi or Rhazes among European scholars, who for the first time in the history of medicine and chemistry, discovered a chemical substance, which served a great deal to these fields, called “alcohol.”

Rhazes 's Life

He was born in 865 A.D in the city of Rey, located in Iran. Though his father tried so hard to make him follow his occupation which was gold smithery, he finally pursued his interest which was alchemy and chemistry at that time. 

Having spent many years of his life as an alchemist, he eventually found out that the only field worth learning and working in, was medicine. Moreover, as Al-Birooni [1] claimed, he lost his eyesight when he was occupied in alchemy, and finding a cure for this disability became his motive in turning his direction to medicine.

To learn medicine thoroughly, he left his hometown for Baghdad where the most advanced hospitals were located. He studied and practiced medicine at the local hospital. After spending many years in Baghdad and gaining experience, he moved back to his beloved hometown, Rey.

There, he became the head of its local hospital. He is known to have been the first person who introduced the method of teaching medicine in its modern form used today in our hospitals. As compassionate and devoted as he was, he never stopped curing sick people, rich or poor, and teaching medicine to the students of any background.

He died on the 15th of October in 925 A.D where he was born and spent most of his life, in the city of Rey.

Rhazes's Discoveries

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica [2], he was the first physician who differentiated between measles and smallpox. Besides he is considered to be the father of pediatrics and a pioneer in ophthalmology- the study and treatment of eye disorders and diseases.

He also believed in treatment with proper diet rather than prescribing medicines to his patients. The translation of his most important works in medicine such as “Al-Hawi” [3] and “Al-Mansuri” [4] has long been taught in medical universities of European countries such as Germany and France. 

He was a devoted Muslim who was profoundly influenced by the teachings of Islam. His idea about the importance of seeking knowledge with one’s full capacity is in close association with the idea of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he said: “those who peruse knowledge, will be perused by heaven” [4] & [5].

The great Iranian Muslim physician, chemist, and philosopher, Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Razi, with his everlasting contributions in medicine and chemistry, did not remain limited to his time or geographical boundaries. He was the great physician of his time and is considered a respected and influential doctor of our age in all parts of the world.     

Reference:

1. "ar-Razi." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.Jun. 2014  
2. ibid. 
3. Mahmud Najm Abadi, The History of Medicine in Iran and World of Islam.
4. Mottaqi Hindi, Kanz al-Aamal.
5. Muhammad, Mizan al Hekmah, vol. IV, Qum: Dar al-Hadith Institution, 1386. p.398.

1. Observe Justice

If you observe justice about yourself, you will be trusted in judging others.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.146.

2. The time of Injustice and Treachery

At a time when you see nothing but injustice and treachery, trusting anyone (unheedingly) brings wretchedness. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357. 

3. Constant Calamities 

Following a calamity after another is the herald of liberation from them.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

4. Investing Your Trust

Do not invest your trust fully on your friend, since if you fail and lose everything because of dedicating all your love and trust to one person, you could hardly survive its disastrous outcomes.  
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

5. Islam, Faith, Assurance 

Islam is the basis on which faith is founded, and then on faith, assurance is built. People hardly reach the last level, that is assurance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

6. This World

Losing your heart to this world brings you pain and grief while being indifferent and pious to it brings peace to your heart and soul. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

7. Three Characteristics of a Believer 

The believer finds righteousness in three characteristics: a deep understanding of the religion, avoiding excessiveness in life, and forbearing the hardships. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

8. Allah's Blessings 

Allah bestows His blessings upon a group of people, and it is turned into burdens on them due to their ingratitude; yet, He inflicts others with calamities, and they turn into blessings due to their forbearance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.359.

9. How to Treat Your Family according to Imam Sadiq (AS)

Whoever does good to his family, Allah prolongs his life. 
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.219. 

10. Making Friends

Meet and make friends with someone who elevates and honors you, not the one whose only purpose is to benefit from you and is pretentious. 
Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa'il al-Shia, Vol.11, p.412. 

11. Greetings 

Saying hello is a recommended act (Mustahab) while responding to it is obligatory (Wajib). 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.360.

12. Be Resistant 

Whoever manifests resistance at times of anger, greed, fear, and lust, Allah will protect his/her body against the fire of hell. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

13. Well-being 

Well-being is a less valued blessing; it is forgotten when one is blessed with it, yet it will be reminded of as soon as it is gone. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

14. Comfort and Hardship

In comfort, Allah blesses you with His beneficence and excellence, and in hardship, the chance of purging [from your sins]. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

15. Water 

Do not pollute the water that people need. 
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.1, p.185.

16. Moderation

Allah loves moderation and hates wastefulness.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.4, p.52.

17. Wastefulness 

The least act of wastefulness is throwing away the remaining of [food or drink].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.460.

18. The Weather 

If the weather were always bright and sunny, the earth would turn dry, and the plants would burn off the heat; the water in lakes and rivers would go down, and people would suffer; the weather would be hot and dry, and an unknown kind of sickness would emerge. 
 Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.3, p.125.

19. Muslim Friends 

Between two Muslim friends, the one that loves the other is the better one.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.3, p.193.

20.The Elderly and Children 

Respect the elderly and be kind to the children.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

21. A Joyful Life 

Life is joyful with three things: clean air, plentiful and pure water, and a soft land [ready for planting]. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

22.Washing Hands

Wash your hands before and after eating. 
Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi, Al-Mahasin, vol.1, p.425.

23. Be Careful About What You Wear

Do not wear clothes that attract much attention, neither clothes, which debases you. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 18080. 

24. Brush Your Teeth

Brushing teeth is among the manners of prophets.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9053.

25. On Expressing Your Opinions 

Do not be the first person who expresses his/her opinion when asking for a consult and avoid suggesting naïve views. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9868.

26. Paying the Wages of a Worker 

Pay the workers' wages before their sweats are dried [ i.e., right after they have finished their work]. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

27. Manners toward Your Teacher 

Be humble in the presence of the one from whom you learned a knowledge.
 Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.2, p.36.

28. Justice in Imam Sadiq (AS)'s Words 

Justice is more pleasant than the water, which is offered to a thirsty person.
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

29. A piece of Advice for Industrialists

Every industrialist has to master three characteristics for his/her work to flourish; he/she has to be expert in his/her job, has to be reliable and meet their superior managers' demands. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.236.

30. People's Needs 

People need three things; security, justice, and welfare. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

31. A Father's Best Legacy 

A father's best legacy for his children is manners, not wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.150.

32. Planning 

Planning shapes half of your life. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.221.

33. Teenagers 

Take care of teenagers since they are more open to absorbing goodness and virtues.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.93.

34. Books 

There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.

35. Agriculture 

Agriculture is a precious wealth. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.261.

36. Strengthening Ties 

Strengthen your ties with each other, be kind and generous to each other. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.175.

37. Help Each other 

Any believer who solves another believer's problem, Allah will lift seventy of his/her difficulties in this world and the hereafter. 
Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.12, p.413.

38. Fruit Trees 

Do not cut fruit trees, or you will be inflicted with Allah's torment. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.294.

39. The Best Friend 

My favorite friend is the one who bestows me my faults.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.366. 

40. Earn Halal Income 

Whoever wishes his/her prayers to be granted, should strive to earn Halal income. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.93, p.373.