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Muvaffakuddin as-Sulami
Famous physician and jurisprudence scholar of the Zengid and Ayyubid periods; chief physician of the Nuriyye Hospital (d. 604/1208).
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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
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Muvaffakuddin Abdülaziz ibn Abdülcebbar as-Sülemî
Date of Death
604/6 June 1208
City Lived In
Damascus
Rulers Associated With
Nur al-Din Zengial-Malik al-Adil Abu Bakr ibn Ayyub
Positions Held
Chief physician
Teachers
Ilyas ibn al-Mitran
Students
Rashid al-Din ibn al-Suri
Works
The Examination of the Physicians by All the Physicians
Areas of Interest
JurisprudenceMedicine
Educational Institution Attended
Aminiyya Madrasa
Institution Served
Nuri Hospital (Great Hospital)

Muvaffakuddin Abdülaziz ibn Abdülcebbar ibn Abu Muhammad as-Sulami was one of the renowned scholars of religion and medicine in the 12th century. Abdülaziz, who held the titles of sheikh, imam, and scholar, was known for his high moral character, generosity, and philanthropy. He showed great compassion and concern for the poor and needy, taking special care to personally fulfill their needs. Sources record that he consistently supported vulnerable segments of society by providing medicine, food, and other essential necessities, and that he possessed a cheerful, pious, and beloved personality.

Education

His educational journey began in Damascus, where he studied jurisprudence at al-Madrasa al-Aminiyya near al-Jamiʿ. He later turned to the study of medicine under Ilyas ibn al-Mitran. He quickly attained mastery in this field, becoming one of the leading physicians of his time through both his theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Recognized as a model scholar in medicine, he organized public lecture sessions for his students in the field.

Positions and Appointments

Muvaffakuddin was first appointed to the large bimaristan in Damascus, built by Nūr al-Din Mahmud ibn Zengi (d. 569/1174). He subsequently entered the service of the Ayyubid ruler al-Malik al-Adil Abu Bakr ibn Ayyub (d. 615/1218). He served alongside him for many years, during which he was granted various favors, substantial salaries, and prestigious positions. As recorded in the sources, Muvaffakuddin used his considerable income for charitable purposes, as described above. It is also evident that he continued to provide free medical services to the public independently.

Students and Works

Abdülaziz as-Sulami played a pioneering role in training numerous medical students. Among his students is mentioned Rashid al-Din ibn al-Suri. He authored a work titled Imtihan al-Elibba li-Kaffati al-Atibba specifically for his medical students.


While continuing his service, Muvaffakuddin Abdülaziz contracted colic (abdominal pain) and died in Damascus on 20 Dhu al-Qi'dah 604 AH (6 June 1208). He was buried on Jabal Qasiyun. He was approximately sixty years old at the time of his death. Although his exact birth date is unknown, it is estimated that he was born around 550 AH (1155–56 CE).

Bibliographies



es-Safedî, Selahaddin Halil b. Aybek. el-Vâfî bi'l-Vefayât. thk. Ahmed Arnavut-Türki Mustafa. Beyrut 2000. C. XIV.

İbn Ebî Useybia, Muvaffakuddîn Ebü’l-Abbas Ahmed b. el-Kâsım b. Halîfe b. Yûnus es-Sa’dî el-Hazrecî. Uyûnu’l-Enbâ fî Tabakâti’l-Etıbba. thk. Nizâr Rızâ. Beyrut, 1965.

İsa, Ahmed. Tarihu’l-Bimaristânât fi’l-İslâm. Daru’r-Raidi’l-Arabî. Beyrut 1981.

Author Information

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AuthorUfuk Alkım GüvenDecember 8, 2025 at 5:53 AM

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Contents

  • Education

  • Positions and Appointments

  • Students and Works

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