The Characteristics of Physicians and Medical Students, According to Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari

Research on Persian medical literature has revealed a long history of moral excellence and devotion to the medical field. Ali Ibn Rabban Tabari also emphasized the importance of these qualities, as Islamic culture highly values the traits of physicians. In our discussion, we will explore the qualities of physicians and medical students from the perspective presented by Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari in his widely read book, Firdous al-Hikma. One section of this work focuses on the professional, ethical, and physical qualities that define a doctor and a medical student. The book stands out as one of Iran’s medical encyclopedias. Among them is Ali ibn Rabban Tabari, a prominent figure in the history of Persian Medicine, who made significant contributions to the establishment of ethical principles in the field of medicine. His perspectives and insights hold considerable value as one of the earliest endeavors in this area, exerting a substantial influence on the advancement of medical ethics.