Zakariyyah al-Razi [also known in the West as Rhazes] was a towering figure in the fields of medicine, philosophy, and science during the Islamic Golden Age. His contributions to various domains of knowledge have left an indelible mark on both the Islamic world and Western scholarship. Renowned for his pioneering work in medicine and his rational approach to science, al-Razi’s personality was as complex and multifaceted as his intellectual pursuits. This study aims to delve into the character and personality of Zakariyyah al-Razi, examining the ethical principles that guided his work, and the traits that made him a unique figure in the history of science and philosophy. By this, we seek to provide a holistic view of the man behind the monumental achievements and through this exploration, we hope to understand how his personality not only influenced his era but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire scholars and practitioners today.
Birth and Education
Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyah al-Razi, commonly known as Zakariyyah al-Razi, was born around 864 CE in the ancient city of Ray, situated near present-day Tehran, Iran[1]. Ray was a significant centre of culture and learning during this period, providing a fertile environment for intellectual growth.
From an early age, he had a taste for rational sciences and literature. His pursuit of knowledge eventually led him to study medicine. He studied under several prominent scholars, including Ali ibn Rabban al-Tabari, from whom he learned various medical and philosophical traditions[2].
He gained the knowledge of medicine when he grew up. According to some accounts, he began studying medicine in his thirties, a relatively late start compared to many of his contemporaries[3]. Despite this, his rapid progress and profound insights quickly established him as a leading physician of his time. He spent the early part of his life in Baghdad. After leaving his job in his last years, he returned to his homeland and took up the independent profession of medicine here[4].
Personal Traits and Character
Zakariyyah al-Razi was a figure of remarkable intellect and profound curiosity, whose personal traits and character significantly influenced his scientific and philosophical work. His personality was a complex blend of rationality, empathy, scepticism, and open-mindedness, which contributed to his reputation as one of the most innovative thinkers of his time.
Intellectual Curiosity and Skepticism
Al-Razi was known for his insatiable curiosity and relentless quest for knowledge[5]. This trait drove him to explore various fields, including medicine, chemistry, philosophy, and alchemy. His intellectual curiosity was coupled with a strong sense of scepticism. Al-Razi did not accept ideas at face value; instead, he rigorously tested and questioned established doctrines, whether they were scientific, medical, or philosophical.
Rationalism and Empiricism
A staunch advocate of rationalism and empiricism, al-Razi believed in the power of reason and observation. He emphasized the importance of empirical evidence in scientific inquiry and medical practice, often conducting experiments to validate his theories. His rationalist approach was a departure from the more mystical and speculative traditions of his time, laying the groundwork for a more scientific methodology.
Compassion and Ethical Considerations
Al-Razi’s work was deeply rooted in compassion and ethical considerations. As a physician, he was known for his dedication to patient care and his humane approach to treatment. Al-Razi was quite generous and charitable to his patients, treating them in a quite humane manner, giving them treatment without charging them[6].
Humility and Openness to Learning
Despite his vast knowledge and achievements, al-Razi remained humble and open to learning from others. He respected the contributions of his predecessors and contemporaries, often referencing their work in his writings. His humility allowed him to continually refine his ideas and stay open to new perspectives, contributing to his growth as a scholar.
Resilience and Independence
Al-Razi’s career was marked by resilience and independence. He faced numerous controversies and criticisms, particularly from religious scholars who opposed his secular and rationalist views. However, he remained steadfast in his beliefs, defending his positions with logical arguments and evidence.
His Intellectual and Scholastic Contributions
Zakariyyah al-Razi made significant contributions across various fields, including medicine, philosophy, chemistry, and education. His work laid foundational principles that influenced both his contemporaries and future generations.
In medicine, Al-Razi was a pioneer in clinical medicine and hospital administration. He served as the chief physician at the hospitals in Ray and Baghdad, where he implemented advanced medical practices. He emphasized the importance of careful observation and documentation of patient’s symptoms and treatment outcomes, laying the groundwork for clinical case studies[7].
Similarly, he also compiled a medical text called “Kitab al-Hawi” (known in Europe as “Liber Continens”) based on his readings of Greek and Roman medicine and his own clinical observations and case studies, and methods of treatment during his years of medical practice, is a compilation of[8]. This encyclopedic medical text was used as a reference in both the Islamic world and medieval Europe. In addition, he had written “Kitab al-Mansuri” (The Book for Mansur) for the ruler of Ray[9], this text covers ten volumes on various medical topics, providing practical advice for physicians. Al-Razi’s detailed description of smallpox and measles, including their differences, was one of the first scientific descriptions of these diseases. This is found in his book titled “Kitab al-Jadari wa al-Hasba” (A Treatise on Smallpox and Measles)[10].
In Philosophy, Al-Razi was a proponent of rationalism, emphasizing reason and empirical evidence over tradition and dogma. His philosophical writings often challenged established religious and philosophical doctrines, promoting a more secular and scientific approach to understanding the world.
In Chemistry, Al-Razi made significant advancements in the field of alchemy, which later evolved into modern chemistry. He is credited with the discovery of several chemical substances and processes, including the distillation of alcohol. He improved laboratory equipment and techniques, such as the use of the alembic for distillation and the development of chemical substances like sulfuric acid. Among his works in the field is “Kitab al-Asrar” (The Book of Secrets) which outlines various chemical processes and experiments, including methods for the preparation of chemical substances and the refinement of metals[11].
His Legacy and Influence
Zakariyyah al-Razi was renowned for his knowledge of medicine, alchemy, and philosophy, as well as his studies in physics, mathematics, zoology, and botany. He was a well-respected scholar in the Islamic world, yet his reputation rests mainly on his medical achievements[12]. Al-Razi has indeed left a lasting legacy that influenced both the Islamic world and Western scholarship. His contributions have been recognized and celebrated across various domains, shaping the course of scientific and medical history.
He is credited as the first physician to clearly separate and recognize concussion from other similar neurological conditions[13]. In addition, he was the first to describe smallpox and to differentiate it from measles. He wrote a treatise on the subject: “Kitab al Judari wa al Hasbah”. This book was translated more than a dozen times into Latin[14].
Al-Razi’s emphasis on empirical observation and detailed documentation of patient cases revolutionized clinical practice. His approach laid the groundwork for the modern case study method, influencing the practice of medicine for centuries. His encyclopedic works, such as “Kitab al-Hawi” (The Comprehensive Book) and “Kitab al-Mansuri” (The Book for Mansur), became foundational texts in medical education. Translated into Latin and other European languages, these texts were used in European universities and medical schools, significantly influencing medieval and Renaissance medicine.
Al-Razi’s commitment to rationalism and empiricism influenced the development of scientific thought. His insistence on reason and evidence over dogma and tradition contributed to a broader intellectual movement that emphasized critical thinking and empirical investigation. His philosophical works, particularly those challenging religious orthodoxy and promoting ethical conduct, inspired later thinkers in both the Islamic world and the West.
Al-Razi’s work in alchemy, particularly his experimental methods and discoveries, is considered a precursor to modern chemistry. His improvements in laboratory techniques and chemical processes, such as distillation and the use of chemical substances like sulfuric acid, were significant advancements that influenced later chemists. His book “Kitab al-Asrar” (The Book of Secrets) provided detailed descriptions of chemical experiments and methods, contributing to the body of knowledge that would eventually lead to the development of modern chemical science.
Conclusion
Zakariyyah al-Razi, a polymath of the Islamic Golden Age, made groundbreaking contributions to medicine, philosophy, chemistry, and education, which have left an enduring legacy. His pioneering clinical practices, detailed medical texts, and rationalist approach significantly influenced both medieval Islamic and European medicine. Al-Razi’s emphasis on empirical evidence and ethical considerations set the stage for modern scientific methodologies. His work in alchemy laid the groundwork for the development of modern chemistry, and his secular, humanist views inspired later intellectual movements. Celebrated in both the Islamic world and the West, al-Razi’s legacy continues to inspire and shape contemporary scientific and medical thought.
References
[1] . Adamson, Peter (2021). Abu Bakr al-Razi”. [The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy].
[2] . Björn, J., & al-Rāzī, A. B. M. I. Z. (2023). Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Zakariyyāʾ al-Rāzī: On Phlebotomy: Edition, translation and commentary, p. 22.
[3] . Ibn Abī Uṣaybiʻa, Aḥmad ibn al-Qāsim (2020). ʻUyūn al-anbāʼ fī ṭabaqāt al-aṭibbāʼ of Ibn Abī Uṣaybiʻah, p. 760.
[4] . Sidra et al. (2020). Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Ar-Razi: An Incredible Physician of Medicine Saga, [International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)] p. 155.
[5] . Bīrūnī, Risāla (1936). Risālah lil-Bīrūnī fī fihrist kutub Muḥammad ibn Zakarīyāʾ al-Rāzī, p. 5.
[6] . Samir S et al. (2007). Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (Rhazes): Philosopher, Physician and Alchemist [Ann Saudi Med], p. 305.
[7] . Sidra et al. (2020). Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Ar-Razi: An Incredible Physician of Medicine Saga, [International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)] p. 155.
[8] . Samir S et al. (2007). Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (Rhazes): Philosopher, Physician and Alchemist [Ann Saudi Med], p. 305.
[9] . Sidra et al. (2020). Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Ar-Razi: An Incredible Physician of Medicine Saga, [International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)] p. 156.
[10] . Ibid.
[11] . Samir S et al. (2007). Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (Rhazes): Philosopher, Physician and Alchemist [Ann Saudi Med], p. 306.
[12] . Björn, J., & al-Rāzī, A. B. M. I. Z. (2023). Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Zakariyyāʾ al-Rāzī: On Phlebotomy: Edition, translation and commentary, p. 24.
[13] . Samir S et al. (2007). Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (Rhazes): Philosopher, Physician and Alchemist [Ann Saudi Med], p. 307.
[14] . Ibid.
