Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, commonly known as Rhazes (c. 854–925), was a Persian polymath, physician, philosopher, and alchemist who made significant contributions to medicine, chemistry, and philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age. Born in Ray, Iran, Rhazes authored numerous medical texts, including the comprehensive “Kitab al-Hawi fi al-tibb” (Comprehensive Book on Medicine), which became a standard medical reference in both the Islamic world and medieval Europe.
Rhazes made pioneering advancements in various medical fields, including pediatrics, ophthalmology, and psychiatry. He emphasized the importance of clinical observation and experimentation, rejecting supernatural explanations for diseases in favor of empirical evidence and rational inquiry. Rhazes also made important contributions to pharmacology, introducing the use of numerous drugs and developing new methods for drug preparation and dosage.
His works greatly influenced the development of medicine and science in the medieval Islamic world and beyond, establishing him as one of the most eminent figures in the history of medicine.
Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Raz Quotes
1. “If the people of this religion are asked about the proof for the soundness of their religion, they flare up, get angry and spill the blood of whoever confronts them with this question. They forbid rational speculation, and strive to kill their adversaries. This is why truth became thoroughly silenced and concealed.”
― Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi
2. “You claim that the evidentiary miracle is present and available, namely, the Koran. You say: ‘Whoever denies it, let him produce a similar one.’ Indeed, we shall produce a thousand similar, from the works of rhetoricians, eloquent speakers and valiant poets, which are more appropriately phrased and state the issues more succinctly. They convey the meaning better and their rhymed prose is in better meter. … By God what you say astonishes us! You are talking about a work which recounts ancient myths, and which at the same time is full of contradictions and does not contain any useful information or explanation. Then you say: ‘Produce something like it’‽”
― Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi
3. “The patient who consults a great many physicians is likely to have a very confused state of mind.”
― Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi
