Volume 35, Issue 254 (3-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 35(254): 76-88 |
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Moallemi M, Yousofpoor M, Darabinia M. Surgeons in Early Islamic Medical Texts: An Analysis of the Terms “Dastkāriyya,” “Mumāris,” and “ʾAṣḥāb al-Ḥiyal”. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 35 (254) :76-88
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22271-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22271-en.html
Abstract: (86 Views)
Background and purpose: The existence of various guilds within the medical profession has long been observed. During the period of Islamic civilization, particularly from the third to fifth centuries AH, guilds of physicians, ophthalmologists (kaḥḥālūn), bone-setters (mujabbirūn), and veterinarians (bayṭārūn) were prominent. In addition, three terms- dastkāriyya, mumārisiin, and aṣḥāb al-ḥiyal- appear in texts from this era. This study aims to re-examine early Islamic medical and non-medical sources to clarify the meanings and status of these terms, which remain unclear in historical records.
Materials and methods: This study employed a qualitative research design. Initially, medical and non-medical texts were systematically searched using pre-defined keywords. Manuscripts of several classical sources were also examined. Data were coded, and the reliability of the research was ensured. To establish validity, full references to the sources consulted were provided. Theoretical saturation was achieved by identifying and excluding repetitive data. The research setting included libraries, such as the Comprehensive Library of Medicine software (version 1.5) and Arabic and Persian Lexicon software (version 3), as well as electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, Web of Science, SID, and Noormags.
Results: The findings indicate that the terms dastkāriyya and mumārisiin referred to the guild of surgeons, whereas aṣḥāb al-ḥiyal generally denoted tricksters who pretended to practice medicine and provide treatment. By exploiting patients’ lack of knowledge and employing deceptive methods, they claimed to cure diseases and eliminate their causes.
Conclusion: The presence of diverse occupations within the medical profession during the period of Islamic civilization highlights the value of a careful re-examination of medical history. Such study not only clarifies the roles and therapeutic skills of Muslim physicians of that era but also provides a more accurate understanding of historical medical professions and can stimulate further research in the history of medicine during the Islamic period.
Materials and methods: This study employed a qualitative research design. Initially, medical and non-medical texts were systematically searched using pre-defined keywords. Manuscripts of several classical sources were also examined. Data were coded, and the reliability of the research was ensured. To establish validity, full references to the sources consulted were provided. Theoretical saturation was achieved by identifying and excluding repetitive data. The research setting included libraries, such as the Comprehensive Library of Medicine software (version 1.5) and Arabic and Persian Lexicon software (version 3), as well as electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, Web of Science, SID, and Noormags.
Results: The findings indicate that the terms dastkāriyya and mumārisiin referred to the guild of surgeons, whereas aṣḥāb al-ḥiyal generally denoted tricksters who pretended to practice medicine and provide treatment. By exploiting patients’ lack of knowledge and employing deceptive methods, they claimed to cure diseases and eliminate their causes.
Conclusion: The presence of diverse occupations within the medical profession during the period of Islamic civilization highlights the value of a careful re-examination of medical history. Such study not only clarifies the roles and therapeutic skills of Muslim physicians of that era but also provides a more accurate understanding of historical medical professions and can stimulate further research in the history of medicine during the Islamic period.
Type of Study: Qualitative Research |
Subject:
Community Health
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