Abu Yusuf Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi
Abu Yusuf Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi, the eminent scholar known as “The Philosopher of the Arabs,” excelled in physics, chemistry, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, music, psychology, and logic. Al-Kindi is regarded as the first itinerant Muslim philosopher and worked tirelessly to introduce Arabs and Muslims to ancient Greek philosophy.
About Al-Kindi
Abu Yusuf Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi was born in the ninth century AD in the city of Kufa, Iraq, which was considered a cradle of Arab civilization. He completed his early education there and studied under the most renowned scholars in Baghdad, then began his journey of learning and intellectual exploration.
Many consider Abu Yusuf Al-Kindi to be one of the founders of Arab-Islamic philosophy. He rightfully earned the title “The Philosopher of the Arabs.” One of his most important achievements was opening the door for Muslims to engage with philosophy and laying the first philosophical foundations for clarifying the issue of free will. Orientalists regard him as one of twelve figures who represent the pinnacle of human thought.
The number of Al-Kindi’s works reached 241 books distributed across 17 fields of knowledge. However, many of these works no longer exist today, and only about 50 books have survived.
Abu Yusuf Al-Kindi: The Physician Philosopher
Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi, as a polymath, did not confine himself to philosophical and intellectual activity alone. He also secured a distinguished position among the most prominent physicians of his era.
In addition to philosophy, which he explored deeply, Al-Kindi excelled in various sciences, including medicine. He also showed strong interest in mathematics and astronomy. More than 20 medical treatises authored by Al-Kindi are attributed to him, although none remain that clearly demonstrate his medical methods and treatments. He also translated Galen’s book “On Simple Drugs” from Greek into Arabic.
His medical contributions are particularly evident in his attempt to determine drug dosages based on mathematical principles, making Al-Kindi the first scholar to systematically define the dosages of all known medicines of his time. He authored numerous books on medicine and pharmacology.
Quick Facts about Al-Kindi
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Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi was considered by the Italian scholar Girolamo Cardano to be one of the twelve greatest geniuses of the highest caliber in intelligence and knowledge, unmatched since the beginning of the world.
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Al-Kindi was known as one of the most prominent translators of his era and was proficient in other languages such as Syriac and Greek.
Medical Sayings and Advice
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“Let the physician fear God and not take risks, for there is no substitute for human life.”
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“The wise person believes there is always knowledge beyond his own, so he remains humble toward that increase; the ignorant believes he has reached the end, and thus is despised.”
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“A physician should not be arrogant toward the patient and should thank God for this blessing. Just as he loves to be known as the cause of a patient’s recovery, he must beware of being known as the cause of the patient’s harm or death.”
Why Al-Kindi Hospital
In our belief at Al-Kindi Hospital in the great legacy left to us by our Arab scholars, and in appreciation of the achievements of the great scientist Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi, the hospital was named in his honor.
AL kindi Hospital | Amman
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