Role and Importance of Sisters and Wives in Islam: A Historical and Ethical Perspective
Who is More Important in Islam?
In Islam, everything is divided into two categories: masters (or lords) and servants. The ultimate lord is Allah, and all humans are servants created for worshiping Him and following the rules written in the Quran. This perspective places the worship of Allah as the highest priority for every believer.
While relationships are secondary, they still fulfill their roles in society. Islam values family relationships, including that between sisters and wives. Each relationship has its unique significance and responsibilities.
The Importance of the Wife
The Quran emphasizes the importance of a wife in forming a new family and maintaining close bonds within it. A wife plays a central role in creating a home and nurturing new life, making her contributions invaluable. In Islam, the family unit typically centers around the wife, who is responsible for managing the household and raising children.
It is important to note, however, that the importance of sisters cannot be overlooked. Sibling relationships are lifelong and often provide a sense of family and support that is beyond the responsibilities to one's immediate spouse and children. The Quran encourages respect and reverence for one's parents, siblings, and other relatives.
Historical Role of Women in Medicine
The historical contributions of women in medicine in the Islamic world are a testament to the respect and recognition they received for their talents and skills. For instance, Muslim civilization played a pivotal role in the development of hospitals, which were often the first to provide medical care to people of all backgrounds, regardless of their social, religious, or ethnic origins.
The first hospitals in the world were established by Muslim societies, and they welcomed sick individuals from all walks of life. Female staff played a significant role in these hospitals, particularly in nursing, which was a notable departure from practices elsewhere in the world. Female nurses and even female doctors were employed in Muslim hospitals, with some working in hospices in far-off lands like Sudan, showcasing great tolerance and inclusiveness.
Noteworthy female doctors in the Islamic world include two renowned women from the Avenzoar family who served under Almohad law in the 12th century. Male hospitals would not employ female surgeons until the 15th century, as seen in the Cerrahiyyetul-Haniyye. Muslim hospitals in renowned cities such as Cairo were equipped with advanced medical facilities, providing care to thousands of patients. Cairo's Qalawun hospital, for instance, could provide care to 8000 patients at once, and their staff often included a variety of health professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, and nurses.
Ethical Medical Practices
The ethical standards of medical practice in the Islamic world were highly advanced and respected. Muslim doctors had a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, with the first treatise on medical ethics, Adab at-Tabb, being written by Ishaq Ali bin Rahawi in the ninth century. This treatise emphasized the importance of medical ethics in providing care, regardless of a patient's wealth or social status.
Muslim hospitals also provided care for mental health, and the world's first psychiatric hospital was built in Cairo. These hospitals became models for those in Europe, including the Quinze-Vingts hospital in Paris, which was established by Louis IX after the Seventh Crusade.
The ethical standards that guided Muslim doctors were not just limited to the treatment of patients but extended to a respect for medical ethics that was more advanced than that of their predecessors and contemporary equivalents. These ethical practices were groundbreaking and influenced the development of medical ethics in subsequent centuries.
Overall, the historical role of women in medicine in the Islamic world highlights the fundamental respect and recognition they received, and their contributions should be celebrated in the ongoing narrative of medical history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both sisters and wives are important in Islam, each fulfilling a unique role that contributes to the well-being of the family and community. Similarly, the historical significance of women in medicine within the Islamic world underscores the value and respect they received for their contributions. While the relationship with the wife is central to the family unit, the role of sisters and the ethical standards set in historical medical practices should not be overlooked, reflecting the comprehensive and holistic nature of Islamic teachings.