Some of the figures and great people in history became known by their works, while others influenced the whole world by their contributions. Ibn Sina, also called Avicenna, is one of the greatest people in history, known by his nickname as the Father of Medicine.
Avicenna was also a philosopher and scientist, and his influence spread worldwide. Now, it is time to read Ibn Sina’s Biography and truly know who he was and his contributions.
Ibn Sina Biography
Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, was one of the most significant people in the world of medicine. He was a source of knowledge who worked in different fields, such as science, philosophy, and medicine. His influence was beyond the borders as he developed modern medicine and founded different philosophical concepts throughout his life. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) was a Muslim and a talented person who always sought knowledge. Interestingly, he was so intertwined and motivated that he also did poetry and explored literature along with mathematics and astronomy. Ibn Sina was a true example of being dedicated to learning and wisdom.
Ibn Sina nationality
Ibn Sina was originally from Persia. He was a Persian Muslim and was born in 980 CE. He opened his eyes in a small village named Afshana, which was near the city of Bukhara, the capital of wisdom and literature. At the time, Bukhara was a part of the Persian Samanid Empire, and today, Bukhara is known as the modern-day Uzbekistan. He had a profound interest in the Persian language, culture, and literature and wrote many of his books and literary works in the Persian language along with the Arabic language because of his dedication to Islam. The contributions of Ibn Sina are celebrated as part of both Persian and Islamic heritage.
The Canon of Medicine by Ibn Sina
Ibn Sina Books
It is estimated that Ibn Sina wrote more than 300 books. Ibn Sina’s books can be categorized into different sections. His most notable works are in the field of medicine and are considered an important legacy of Ibn Sina, such as The Canon of Medicine and The Book of Healing.
Ibn Sina has also written several philosophical books influenced by Islam, astronomical books, mathematical works, theological works, and lastly, several books about love, logic, and politics.
The Canon of Medicine
The notable work of Ibn Sina, estimated as the most influential medical text of the era, is The Canon of Medicine. It explores the principles of medicine and diseases.
The Book of Healing
It is the most famous work of Avicenna, divided into four sections: logic, physics, mathematics, and metaphysics. This book was translated into Latin in the 12th century and influenced medieval European science.
The Book of Salvation
This book is Ibn Sina’s masterpiece and is divided into three sections: logic, physics, and metaphysics. The Book of Salvation explores themes such as theories of the soul and metaphysics concepts such as necessary being.
Ibn Sina’s Book list:
- The Book of Remedies (Kitab al-Adwiyat al-Qalbiyya)
- The Book of Directives and Remarks (Kitab al-Isharat wa al-Tanbihat)
- The Book of Definitions (Kitab al-Hudud)
- The Book of Astronomy (Kitab al-Hay’a)
- The Book of Minerals (Kitab al-Ma’adin)
- The Book of the Division of the Rational Sciences (Kitab Aqsam al-Hikma)
- The Book of Guidance (Kitab al-Hidaya)
- The Treatise on the Soul (Risala fi al-Nafs)
- The Book of Politics (Kitab al-Siyasa)
- The Book of Logic (Kitab al-Mantiq)
- The Book of Love (Risala fi al-Ishq)
Avicenna
Significance and Fame
Holding a great place in the history of science, Ibn Sina’s impact (Avicenna) remains an unparalleled legacy that has influenced both Europe and the Islamic world. Works of Avicenna are known as the foundation of modern medicine and had a huge impression on developing the world of science and medicine. Many believe that with his works not only in medicine but also in mathematics and philosophy, he has connected ancient and modern thoughts. Moreover, Ibn Sina, who is a universal genius, is celebrated as a great thinker and a core value of the Islamic Golden Age.
Philosophical Contributions
The lasting contributions of Ibn Sina can be explored even in Philosophy, as he was a great thinker and a philosopher of his time. He has founded diverse philosophical concepts about metaphysics and the theory of knowledge. Additionally, he has discussed ethics and practical philosophy. One of the arguments of Ibn Sina is his talks about existence and essence, which he distinguishes both, and admits that existence is an accidental property of essence. Moreover, Ibn Sina displays the importance of sensory experience as the foundation of knowledge in most of his philosophical works. His works remain an important legacy that has connected ancient Greek thoughts, the Islamic world, and European philosophy all together.
Influence in Medicine
If you want to get a glimpse of Ibn Sina’s fame in the world of medicine, he is known as the Father of Medicine, exploring and introducing different diseases and complications. The Canon of Medicine is a comprehensive medical encyclopedia and includes organized medical knowledge that has been taught until today. In addition, he has classified different medical complications and also has contributions to pharmacology.
Ibn Sina’s medical books have been primary content for many scholars, showcasing the significance of his understanding and knowledge in the world of medicine. His knowledge has become the foundation of medical curricula, especially in the Islamic world.
Personal Life and Anecdotes
The personal life of Ibn Sina is mainly known for his pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. He is marked by intellectual brilliance, political intrigue, and personal resilience. His intellectual abilities began from a young age, developing the motive for his early education. It is said that he had memorized the Quran and mastered Arabic literature at the age of 10. later, at the age of 16, he showed interest in Persian literature and mastered this language along with medicine and other sciences. In his personal life, he was the chief minister and advisor of several rulers, including the Samanid and Buyid dynasties. Ibn Sina spends most of his life traveling to different locations and cities.
Tomb of Ibn Sina – Hamedan
Ibn Sina; cause of death
Many scholars and researchers believe that Ibn Sina had an illness. The cause of death of Ibn Sina was a severe illness named Colic. He died in Hamedan, Iran, at the age of 57 in 1037 CE. Colitis is a severe condition that affects the digestive system. Some also believe that he was emotionally depressed due to the attacks that happened to Isfahan and destroyed most of his works. He lived in Isfahan for 15 years. Today, his tomb is located in Hamedan, and tourists can visit his burial place.
Where did Ibn Sina live?
Interestingly, for most of his life, he was mobile. Ibn Sina traveled to a lot of cities and spent his life at those locations. He was born near Bukhara and pursued his early education and career in this city. After the fall of the Samanid Empire, he moved to Gurganj, also known as Khwarezm, which is in modern-day Turkmenistan. Rayy and Hamedan were his next destinations, and he became a physician and advisor to the local rulers. After staying a short period at Rayy, he moved to Hamadan and settled there. He was also imprisoned for a short time at Hamadan due to political problems. In his later years, he traveled to Isfahan and stayed for 15 years. At the time, Isfahan was the capital of culture and art, which Ibn Sina had a profound interest in. Lastly, Ibn Sina spent his final years before death in Hamadan and passed away in this city.
Ibn Sina and His Legacy
The famous scientist of the Islamic Golden Age, Ibn Sina, is a symbol and cultural icon. His legacy has extended beyond regions and cultures, and his influences have made their way into different continents, such as Europe. His clinical observations and studies in medicine have developed the modern medicine that we have today. Also, his philosophical ideas and observations became a core value in Islamic understanding and shaped Islamic philosophy. He made many advancements in different fields, from medicine and philosophy to mathematics and astronomy, showcasing his talent and intellectual personality.
In 1980, UNESCO commemorated his 1000th anniversary of birth and highlighted his global importance.
Ibn Sina statue
Facts about Ibn Sina (Avicenna)
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) was born near Bukhara and began his learning process at the age of 10 by memorizing the Quran.
Ibn Sina was largely self-taught, despite having access to high-level education and teachers.
The Canon of Medicine and The Book of Healing are the two most important works of Ibn Sina.
He has written more than 300 books and literary texts.
Ibn Sina became a successful physician at 17, and he also treated the ruler of the Samnid Empire, Nuh ibn Mansur, who had a severe illness.
The famous figure of medicine, Ibn Sina, was known for his work ethic. Sometimes, he wrote 50 pages per day.
He was a night owl, mostly working during the nights and staying up late to study and do research.
Lastly
Avicenna was one of the most influential figures in history who took medicine and philosophy to another level with his knowledge. His works served as a foundational text for many centuries in the world of science. He also narrowed down the gap between ancient and modern medicine, extending the knowledge and modern medicine beyond the borders. Avicenna or Ibn Sina’s legacy has continued through centuries and has inspired many to follow knowledge and science and to never settle.
