Islamic Medicine Research Articles

STERILIZATION IN SUNNAH CUPPING: INTEGRATING ISLAMIC ETHICS AND MODERN MEDICAL STANDARDS

Sunnah cupping (hijamah) is a therapeutic practice rooted in Islamic tradition and widely acknowledged for its health benefits. However, improper sterilization of cupping instruments poses a significant risk of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. This study aims to explore the importance of equipment sterilization in sunnah cupping using a literature review approach. The method involves systematic thematic analysis of publications from 2010–2025 covering medical science, Islamic bioethics, and traditional health practices. Findings reveal that proper sterilization is crucial to preventing cross-contamination, and it aligns with Islamic ethical imperatives based on la darar wa la dirar and hifzh al-nafs. The discussion emphasizes the integration of Islamic values with modern medical standards and calls for structured education, practitioner training, and regulatory oversight. In conclusion, sterilization in sunnah cupping is not merely a technical requirement but a moral and religious obligation to ensure patient safety and uphold the integrity of prophetic medicine in the modern healthcare system.

The Persian Way? Dingzhou Eye Ointment and Its Origins

Abstract: Dingzhou eye ointment gained significant popularity from the late Qing dynasty to the Republican era. Its legacy persists through three prominent families: Bai Jingyu (白敬宇), Ma Yinglong (马应龙) and Zhang Qizhu (张齐珠). Each family's Dingzhou eye ointment is similar, with comparable ingredients, dosages, and usage methods, suggesting a common origin. While many well-established Dingzhou eye ointment brands claim their origins date back to the late Ming dynasty, the origins of its formulation are likely much older. In ancient Chinese medical texts, there are proto-formulations of similar eye ointments recorded during the Jin and Yuan dynasties, with comparable external and standardized eye medicine formulations appearing in the Ming and Qing dynasty. By the late Qing dynasty, Dingzhou eye ointment had become a popular mainstream topical eye treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. From a broader geographically perspective, the composition aligns with that of similar treatments used in Greco-Roman medicine, which combined minerals such as calamine with aromatic ingredients to create eye medicines. The principles behind the composition of Dingzhou eye ointment are in accord with the concept of the four humours in Arabian medicine. It is possible that the Hui ethnic group was responsible for the introduction of Dingzhou eye ointment to China, indicating cultural exchange between Chinese and foreign medicine practices.

Health Services Delivery by Non-physicians and Associated Factors in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study in 2023

Background: The increasing demand for healthcare services and some associated factors including lack of physicians, lack of trust in physicians, ineffectiveness of treatments and high costs may be have led to a rise in non-physician-provided services. This study aims to assess health services delivery by non-physicians and its associated factors in Iran. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted using a convenience sampling method in the Iranian community in 2023. A standard questionnaire with 45 questions was developed based on focus group discussions and a validation process to assess the status of receiving services in six medical areas including traditional medicine, abortion, traditional dentistry, obesity and slimming diets, bone setting, and addiction treatment. Data collection was carried out using online questionnaires on Iranian and non-Iranian social media platforms. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data, with logistic regression adjusting for various demographic factors. Results: Out of 1713 participants, 53.9% (95% CI: 51.5%-56.3%) were women, and the majority were in the 30-40 age group. Traditional Islamic medicine was the most commonly sought service, with 56% (95% CI: 51.2%-60.8%) of users receiving it from non-physicians. Satisfaction with non-physician services varied, with 32.1% (95% CI: 25.8%-38.4%) reporting high satisfaction for traditional medicine, but only 49.4% (95% CI: 40.5%-58.3%) for experimental dentistry. Key reasons for choosing non-physician providers included the effectiveness of traditional treatments and fear of modern medicine’s side effects. Conclusion: The result showed that the use of non-physician services can be considerable and that necessary interventions should be designed to standardize treatments and deal with substandard providers who may be harmful to the health of the community.

To What Extent Does Science Support the Recommendation of Cupping Therapy for Migraines? A Step toward Creating Guidelines Based on Evidence

Background: Migraines are extremely incapacitating headaches. Cupping therapy is a successful treatment that lessens the severity of headaches and migraines. The study aims to determine the level of scientific support for cupping therapy as a treatment for migraines. Methods: Published systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) about cupping therapy for migraines were examined. PubMed, Research Gate, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Trip, OVID, Cochrane Library, and CINAHIL were among the medical databases that were reviewed. Cupping therapy's safety and effectiveness in treating migraines, either by itself or in combination, were evaluated. Results: Three systematic reviews incorporated eighteen clinical trials and CPGs of Traditional Korean Medicine were reviewed. Sixteen wet cupping and two dry cupping studies were used. The study found significant treatment success with cupping therapy compared to controls. Cupping therapy significantly reduced pain intensity either alone or in combination with drugs. One to eight cupping points are used with different treatment regimens according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Prophetic Medicine, Korean Medicine and Persian Medicine. Conclusion: Migraines can be effectively treated with wet cupping either alone or, more effectively, in conjunction with other medications. It emphasizes the need for improved quality and transparency in research and is a major step towards comprehending the evidence and recommendations for cupping therapy within the CPGs in migraine. It is required that cupping therapy be included in the recommendations for treating migraine headaches.

Cultivated St. John's Wort Flower Heads Accumulate Tocotrienols over Tocopherols, Regardless of the Year of the Plant.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) has been extensively utilized across various traditional medicinal systems, including ancient Greek medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Islamic medicine. H. perforatum is a well-known medicinal plant due to the presence of hypericin and hyperforin, which are natural antidepressants. Recent studies indicate that the inflorescences of wild H. perforatum are a source of rare tocotrienols, primarily δ-T3. Similar studies are lacking for cultivated species. H. perforatum was grown for three years. At full bloom each year, the plant was cut and separated into its parts: stems, leaves, flower buds, and flowers. Tocotrienols (T3s) were present in each part of the H. perforatum. The lowest concentration of tocotrienols was recorded in stems and the highest in flower buds (1.7-4.2 and 88.2-104.7 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). Flower buds and flowers were the main source of α-T3 and δ-T3 tocotrienols. The plant part has a significant impact on the tocochromanol profile and concentration, while the year of harvest/plant aging does not. The present study demonstrates that cultivated H. perforatum flower heads are the first known flowers with relatively high concentrations of tocotrienols. St. John's wort flower buds accumulate tocotrienols over tocopherols, regardless of the year of the plant.

The Prospects and Challenges in the Practice of Islamic Medicine in Ibadan, Nigeria

The practice of Islamic medicine is becoming a household activity in the city of Ibadan today. Every nook and cranny of the city has at least an Islamic medical clinic where patients are admitted and treated according to Islamic prescriptions. Its inception has brought about some changes both among Muslims and in the medical practice in the land. This study intends to examine the practice vis-à-vis the inherent prospects and challenges of venturing into the practice. A historical method of research is adopted to achieve the objectives of this paper. This is imperative considering the nature of the topic of this paper which is deeply rooted in history. It is discovered that their profession can be made from the practice and the future is bright for the practitioners. It provides job opportunities, strengthens the Muslim faith and is relatively affordable. On the other hand, the practice is faced with many problems and challenges which the practitioners have not been able to put behind them, such includes misconceptions between Jalabi and Islamic medical practice, financial inadequacies, lack of knowledge and unfavorable government policies among others. The paper therefore concluded that the future of Islamic medicine in Ibadan is brighter but the practitioners need to surmount those challenges to strengthen the practice in the city.

The cultural spirit of the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco: A critical analysis of traditional healing discourse

The popularity of traditional healing practices on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the discourse diffused by the Ministry of Health in Morocco. This created a struggle in the public sphere between a scientific discourse on health care constructed by the Ministry of Health and a culturally conservative discourse propagated by practitioners of traditional healing. This paper explores how both discourses were competing to shape public opinion about the best health-care practices to end the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco. The data was collected from Facebook and YouTube based on criteria of social-media functionalities. The data was analysed using multimodal critical discourse analysis followed by a process of coding and category development. The results of the study reveal that shaping public opinion about ways to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco was characterized by the success of traditional health-care discourse in a counter-hegemonic struggle with the discourse of the Ministry of Health. This discourse was conservative, as it cherished an online Muslim identity of social-media users by relying on ideologically constructed argumentation and discursive strategies in representing prophetic medicine as the best health-care practice to end the pandemic.

Prophetic medicine: An integrative medicine model

Integrative medicine (IM) aims to create a comprehensive healthcare system by combining conventional medicine with complementary and alternative approaches. This model prioritizes patients, emphasizing the importance of the doctor–patient relationship. By integrating the most beneficial elements of both conventional and complementary medicine, patients can benefit from enhanced therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks associated with their combination. Given this complexity, patients need access to qualified IM practitioners who can provide guidance on the potential benefits and drawbacks of these combined approaches. One notable complementary approach is prophetic medicine (PM), particularly prevalent in Muslim communities. This practice offers preventive and curative treatments based on the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. Its global recognition is on the rise, attracting increasing interest from scientists regarding its potential benefits. For instance, cupping therapy, a technique employed in PM, has been shown to offer advantages over conventional medications for various ailments, including pain management and blood conditions, such as thalassemia, offering potentially superior outcomes. A precise delineation of the scope of PM practices is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies employed, their potential integration into contemporary healthcare systems, and the multifaceted factors influencing patient outcomes. By combining conventional medical practices with the principles of PM, IM can provide a more holistic approach to patient care. Hence, this paper explores this new model, its diverse applications, and its potential impact on IM.

THE HISTORY OF ABDOMINAL SURGERY: THE EVOLUTION OF AN ESSENTIAL BRANCH OF MEDICINE

Abdominal surgery, one of the most complex and demanding branches of modern medicine, has undergone a long and difficult journey from its origins to the sophisticated techniques used today. Surgical interventions on the abdominal cavity involve addressing vital organs such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, or spleen. The article traces the evolution of abdominal surgery from antiquity to the 20th century, focusing on the significant progress made in each period. In antiquity, abdominal surgery was rare and risky, limited by a lack of anatomical knowledge, anesthesia, and antisepsis. Egypt, Greece, and Rome made modest contributions to the treatment of hernias and other abdominal traumas. In the Middle Ages, abdominal surgery was influenced by Islamic medicine, particularly the works of Al-Zahrawi. Significant progress came in the 19th century, when the discovery of anesthesia by William Morton and antisepsis by Joseph Lister revolutionized surgical practices. The 20th century brought another revolution with the development of laparotomy and later laparoscopic surgery, which significantly reduced complications and recovery time for patients, laying the foundation for modern surgery.

Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM): Principles of Dietary Practices and the TAIM Food Pyramid.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary tradition and dietary practices are used interchangeably due to geographical proximity and similarities in their cuisine. While these regions share historical impact and cultural exchanges there are differences that delineate each region's dietary influences. Dietary practices are one of five core elements of an overarching Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) conceptual framework, yet current dietary guidelines are lacking. We introduce the TAIM food pyramid as a visual representation of TAIM's historical and regional nuance, illustrate dietary patterns, and provide a cultural competency strategy. We used Oldways as a model for creating the TAIM food pyramid while illustrating its extension of a wholistic paradigm representing the medical and indigenous traditions, beliefs and practices of a geographic region and cultural community. We focus on two important aspects: historical roots of traditional Arabic Medico-Culinary cuisine coupled with Islamic medicine and influences of Prophetic tradition on foods. The TAIM food pyramid is an illustration of a healing tradition emphasizing sound nutrition, food safety, social connection, community and sustainability. The pyramid is similar in structure to global traditional healing diets within the context of culture and lifestyle of the Middle East and North African communities. Despite trends in research focusing on the Mediterranean diet, little is known about the Middle Eastern diet. The absence of a TAIM food pyramid is a clear gap in research and a missed opportunity for further analysis. Health care delivery that is culturally competent improves health equity and translates to patient centered, whole-person care.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "The line of Islamic medicine shined again with Ibn Sina"

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "The line of Islamic medicine shined again with Ibn Sina"

Exploring the landscape of complementary therapies for cancer patients

Abstract This review explores the complex phenomenon of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients, focusing on the sociocultural contexts of India and similar regions and that was a cross-sectional study. This review analyzes the prevalence, motivations, and implications of CAM use among cancer patients in India and Saudi Arabia. It explores how cultural and religious beliefs influence the adoption of therapies such as herbal medicine and spiritual healing, often used alongside conventional treatments. The study aims to understand the perceived benefits and risks, as well as the potential impact on patient outcomes and interactions with standard cancer care. Ultimately, it seeks to provide insights into the safe and effective integration of CAM within these specific regional contexts. The review reveals a significant uptake of CAM, encompassing traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, culturally significant practices, and other include homeopathy and naturopathy. Patient motivations span a spectrum, including perceived direct anti-cancer effects, immune system enhancement, symptom management, adherence to cultural and religious beliefs, and dissatisfaction with conventional approaches. Critically, the review highlights the potential for CAM reliance to lead to delays or abandonment of evidence-based cancer therapies, potentially compromising patient outcomes. In India, CAM offers supportive benefits such as symptom management through Ayurveda and yoga, but risks delaying crucial treatments due to strong traditional beliefs and limited access to information. In Saudi Arabia, spiritual healing provides emotional support, yet reliance on it can delay evidence-based care, exacerbated by religious influences and family-driven misinformation. Both countries need to foster open communication and integrate evidence-based CAM practices to balance supportive benefits with timely conventional treatment. Ultimately, fostering open dialog between patients and oncologists is paramount to ensuring safe and integrated cancer care, empowering informed decision-making, and preventing detrimental delays in accessing potentially life-saving conventional treatments. CAM efficacy studies in India and Saudi Arabia are complex. India’s traditional systems, while historically rich, require more rigorous modern validation, with emerging research needing expansion. Saudi Arabia’s spiritual healing practices pose unique scientific measurement challenges, although studies on herbal remedies show potential. Both countries necessitate robust research considering cultural and religious contexts, and studies on interactions between traditional and modern medicine are crucial for informed integration. In India, deep-rooted Ayurvedic beliefs and limited rural healthcare access drive CAM adoption, with generational knowledge transfer and cost-effectiveness playing key roles. In Saudi Arabia, strong Islamic faith promotes spiritual healing and traditional Arab medicine, influenced by family networks and perceived cultural compatibility.

Total phenolic and flavonoid content in Boswellia serrata Roxb. resin extracts obtained with subcritical water

<p><em>Boswellia serrata</em> Roxb. is a tree that is mainly found in the dry regions of India. Its oleoresin, known internationally as Indian frankincense, is used in Ayurvedic, traditional Arabic and Chinese medicine. This gum resin contains 15-20% of boswellic, lupeolic and other pentacyclic triterpenic acids, of which the boswellic acids (beta-boswellic acid, keto-beta-boswellic acid and acetil-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic properties and are used in the modern pharmaceutical industry. Besides its ability to prevent and treat various diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis and asthma), other biological functions of B. serrata resin should not be neglected.<br />The aim of this study was to analyze, for the first time, extracts of <em>B. serrata</em> resin obtained with subcritical water at different temperatures (110–190 °C) for their phenolic and flavonoid content. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by UV-spectrophotometry using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was also determined by UV-spectrophotometry using a simple method with AlCl<sub>3</sub>. <br />With increasing extraction temperature, the TPC increased from 3.76 mg GAE/g DW at 110 °C to 13.78 mg GAE/g DW at 190 °C. The highest TFC was observed in the extract obtained at 170 °C (8.56 mg RE/g DW). <br />The results of this study suggest that extracts of B. serrata resin obtained with subcritical water are a rich source of bioactive compounds that can be used in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements and functional foods.  </p>

Prophetic Medication Al-hijamah (Hijamah) and Approach of Kashmiri People Towards Hijamah Cupping Therapy: An Empirical Study

Worldwide cupping therapy is used and in Islam term Al-hijamah (Hijamah) also called as prophetic medicine is used in place of cupping therapy. Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him ) said, the best among your treatments is Al-hijamah (Hijamah) as it is a promising excretory treatment to clear blood of causative pathological substances. It is a three-step iron excretion technique (skin suction, scarification and suction) through pressure-dependent filtration then excretion via the skin dermal capillaries that significantly decreased serum iron overload and accompanying oxidative stress by exploitation of physiological excretory mechanism. In current study, 200 patients (100 male and 100 female) from various Unani Hospitals of Kashmir were selected at random for our study on their consent. The study revealed that majority of the respondents understudy were aware of the benefits of Hijamah and there was nonsignificant difference in general between male and female respondents (P>0.05). Hijama is used to treat diseases such as high blood pressure, lower back pain, shingles pain, facial paralysis, spinal disk wear and tear (cervical spondylosis), cardiovascular disease prevention, neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, migraine, cellulitis, cough, cold, asthma, acne, urticaria, neurodermatitis, soft tissue injury, arthritis. Practitioners apply the cups to different parts of the body of an individual such as neck,back, between the shoulders, behind the ear, chin, thighs, middle and crown of the head, ankle joints, knee joints, breast, buttocks, wrist joints, hips. Finally, researchers gave the suggestions for the effective use of Hijamah.

The Genus Commiphora: An Overview of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control.

Myrrh is the resinous substance secreted by plants of the genus Commiphora. In traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and traditional Arabic medicine, myrrh is regarded as an important medicinal material, widely used in the treatment of trauma, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and other diseases. This review explores the evolving scientific understanding of the genus Commiphora, covering facets of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, artificial cultivation, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. More than 300 types of secondary metabolites have been identified through phytochemical studies of this genus. Guggulsterone is a bioactive steroid isolated mainly from Commiphora mukul. The two isomers, Z- and E-guggulsterone, have shown a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, including anti-proliferation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. However, the current scientific research on quality control of medicinal materials and identification of original plants is insufficient, which limits the reproducibility and accuracy of biological activity evaluation experiments. Therefore, the establishment of analytical protocols and standardization of extracts is an important step before biological evaluation. At the same time, in order to find more bioactive substances, it is necessary to strengthen the research on the stems, barks, and leaves of this genus. The sources used in this study include PubMed, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other databases, as well as multinational pharmacopoeias, ancient books of traditional medicine, herbal classics, and modern monographs.

Importance of Barley (Hordeum vulgare Linn.) as food and medicine from past to present: A brief overview

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the most ancient cereals that has been used for food and medicinal purposes since the distant past. Historically, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian civilizations have relied heavily on barley as a nutritious food source as well as a therapeutic agent for various ailments. Its health-protective activity is endorsed by many religions and traditional medicines including the Unani system of medicine. In Unani medicine, barley is prescribed for many health conditions such as anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, etc. In Prophetic medicine, barley is prescribed to be consumed as talbina (porridge made from barley flour, milk and honey) to remove weakness of the heart. Because of its unique chemical composition and health effects, barley is gaining unprecedented attention from food scientists, dieticians, food industries and consumers throughout the world. In comparison with other cereal crops, like wheat, rice and maize, barley grains are superior in dietary fiber (such as β-glucan) and tocols, which are valuable for human health. It is well-documented that diets rich in these chemical compounds can protect against hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Owing to the present knowledge of barley’s health-promoting constituents, it can also understand why it was a popular food ingredient in the diets of our ancestors. This review article attempts to briefly summarize the origin, classification, and description of barley grain besides its use as a food and medicinal supplement from ancient times to the present era with scientific evidence.

Historical aspects of the use of goat’s milk as a food product for young children: a review

Goat milk (GM) has been a valuable food product for children and adults all over the world for thousands of years and has been used as an important element of healthy nutrition and healing. The article provides information confirming the importance of GM, which is described in the studies of ancient greek and roman scientists (Hippocrates, Galen), in traditional chinese and arabic medicine (the works of Li Shizheng and Avicenna). The works of domestic and foreign scientists also show the possibility of using GM not only as an alternative to breast milk, but also as a highly effective means for strengthening health. The functional composition of GM makes it possible to create mixtures as close as possible to breast milk, which can be used as a source of nutrition for children in the absence of breastfeeding.

The Emergence of N. sativa L. as a Green Antifungal Agent.

Nigella sativa L. has been widely used in the Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, and Arabic medicine systems and has a long history of medicinal and folk uses. Several phytoconstituents of the plant are reported to have excellent therapeutic properties. In-vitro and in-vivo studies have revealed that seed oil and thymoquinone have excellent inhibitory efficacy on a wide range of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi. The present review aims to undertake a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the antifungal effects of different phytochemical constituents of black cumin. An exhaustive database retrieval was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, and CABI to collect scientific information about the antifungal activity of N. sativa L. with 1990 to 2023 as a reference range using 'Nigella sativa,' 'Nigella oil,' 'antifungal uses,' 'dermatophytic fungi,' 'candidiasis,' 'anti-aflatoxin,' 'anti-biofilm' and 'biological activity' as the keywords. Black cumin seeds, as well as the extract of aerial parts, were found to exhibit strong antifungal activity against a wide range of fungi. Among the active compounds, thymoquinone exhibited the most potent antifungal effect. Several recent studies proved that black cumin inhibits biofilm formation and growth. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the antifungal activity of black cumin. This work emphasizes the need to expand studies on this plant to exploit its antifungal properties for biomedical applications.

Prophetic Medicine in the Context of Middle Eastern Culture: A Concept Analysis.

Background: Prophetic Medicine, integral to healthcare in Muslim-majority regions, particularly the Middle East and North Africa, is often underexplored in existing literature. Purpose: This concept analysis sought to explore the concept of Prophetic Medicine by delineating its attributes, antecedents, and consequences in order to augment healthcare providers' comprehension of Prophetic Medicine. It also seeks to enhance interdisciplinary dialogue, thereby enriching the integration of traditional healing modalities in modern medical practices. Methods: Walker and Avant's method was used to conduct the concept analysis by reviewing published literature on the concept. Results: The analysis identified the core attributes of Prophetic Medicine, such as Black Seeds, Dates, Miswak, Wet cupping, and Zamzam water, and explored cultural, spiritual, and practical underpinnings of these practices. Antecedents such as cultural background, spiritual beliefs, basic knowledge, lower cost, perceived safety, efficacy, simple techniques, and dissatisfaction with allopathic therapy were identified. The consequences of these practices include the multifaceted impact of Prophetic Medicine, highlighting the relationship between these traditional practices and health outcomes. Implications for Practice: This concept analysis underscores the significance of recognizing these aspects of Prophetic Medicine for healthcare providers to effectively integrate Prophetic Medicine into practice, aiming for favorable patient outcomes and fostering a more inclusive, culturally sensitive healthcare environment.

Islam Pada Masa Dinasti Fathimiyah

History has recorded that the Fatimid dynasty was an Islamic dynasty that was born in the X century and had very brilliant achievements in Islamic civilization. In fact, this dynasty was able to compete with the two great dynasties at that time, namely the Abbasid dynasty in Baghdad and the Umayyad dynasty in Spain. The glory of Islam during the Fatimid dynasty, was very developed, prosperous in the economic field, educational institutions were built including: the great mosque of al-Azhar which became a university educational institution in Cairo, Dar al-'Ilmi as a center for the study of Islamic sciences, astronomy and medicine . Likewise in the field of architecture, starting from magnificent gates, paintings, carvings, textile and ceramic products. All this shows the existence of the Fatimid dynasty at that time.