Said, Hakim Mohammed
Overview
Hakim Mohammed Said (1920-1998) was a prominent philanthropist, a distinguished physician in the Greco-Arabic traditional Yunani medical system, and a vice president of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences. He substantially contributed to the medical field, education, and social welfare in Pakistan.
Early Life and Education
Hakim Mohammed Said was born in Delhi, British India, and received his education in Yunani medicine from the Tibbia College in Delhi. The term “Hakim” (Arabic: حكيم, Turkish: Hekim) signifies a practitioner of traditional medicine, reflecting his expertise in the field.
Professional Career
Medical Contributions
As a tabib (Arabic for physician), Hakim Mohammed Said was renowned within the traditional Yunani medical practice. His work through the Hamdard Foundation Pakistan popularized herbal medicines and other natural remedies.
Philanthropy and Institutional Development
Hakim Mohammed Said’s contributions were not restricted to medicine alone. He founded Madinat al-Hikmah (Arabic: مدينة الحكمة, Turkish: Hikmet Şehri), or the “City of Wisdom”, an ambitious educational network encompassing institutions from primary schools to universities. The project is especially noted for housing a high-level research institution and a grand library.
Leadership and Governance
Hakim Mohammed Said held multiple high-profile governmental roles, most notably serving as the Governor of Sindh Province in Pakistan. He is widely appreciated for his service and reforms during his tenure.
Literary and Scholarly Contributions
An esteemed scholar, Hakim Mohammed Said also penned numerous texts on Yunani medicine and was actively involved in advancing Islamic medical sciences.
Tragic End
Despite his contributions and stature, Hakim Mohammed Said’s life came to a tragic end when he was murdered in Karachi in 1998. His assassination remains a dark spot in Pakistan’s history, reflecting the perils often faced by reformists.
Legacy
Hakim Mohammed Said’s legacy lives on through the institutions he established and the philanthropic paths he trail-blazed. His contributions to traditional medicine and broader social welfare continue to influence the modern medical and educational landscapes of Pakistan.
Etymology
- Hakim (حكيم): Arabic and Turkish for “wise” or “physician”.
- Madinat al-Hikmah (مدينة الحكمة): Arabic for “City of Wisdom”.
Suggested Readings
- Hamdard Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine by Hakim Mohammed Said
- Medical Activities of Hakim Muhammad Said by M. K. Rahman
- Islam and Knowledge: Al-Fārūqī’s Concept of Religion in Islamic Thought by Imtiyaz Yusuf
Takeaways
- Philantropy: Deep dedication to improving public health and education.
- Medical Contribution: Critical advancement in Yunani medicine.
- Leadership: Significant public roles, including governance and institutional development.
- Tragic Loss: Murder illuminated the risks faced by reformist figures.
Conclusion
Hakim Mohammed Said remains a figure of substantial historical and cultural importance. His enormous contributions to traditional medicine and societal reform have had long-lasting impacts, exemplifying the profound potential of individual ingenuity and dedication.
