Non-Muslim Physicians in Middle Age IslamicSociety: Attitudes, Actions, and Interactions

Non-Muslim (Dhimmi) physicians were in touch with Muslims more than other non-Muslims, in cities, villages, courts, hospitals, and even houses in the middle ages. Therefore, they have been mentioned in Muslims' minds, languages, and life experiences more than others. This paper seeks to analyze the attitudes of Muslims towards these physicians and to investigate the relationship between Muslims and this group of non-Muslim physicians. Muslims' attitudes toward non-Muslim physicians were either rooted in sources (Verses and Narratives) and religious beliefs or influenced by their traditions and life experiences with this group of non-Muslims for long centuries. This research reveals that the main causes of their significant presence in Islamic society have been knowledge and professional ability and therapeutic skills of non-Muslim physicians. In addition to professional actions, Non-Muslim physicians were also effective in promoting some of the norm-breaking habits and behaviors among Muslims. Although there are some reports of negative interactions and sometimes hostile reactions of Muslims to non-Muslim physicians, in the huge assessment of elite and Muslim masse’s relation with these physicians were peaceful and agreeable most of the time.