Medicine & Pharmaceutical Symbols: The symbols of paganism spread among the people

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Snakes and their venoms have intrigued humanity since ancient times. No other animal has been more worshiped yet more cast out, more loved yet more despised than the snake. The core of this fascination, and often fear of the snake, lies in the creature’s venom. Throughout history, snakes have been objects of worship, and their venom has been used to create magical potions and medicines. Additionally, snakes symbolize various concepts such as love, health, disease, medicine, pharmacy, immortality, death, and wisdom.

The symbol featuring 2 snakes first appeared in the Sumerian civilization (around 2350-2150 B.C.). In Greek mythology (2000-400 B.C.), statues of Asclepius (the “god” of Medicine), holding a “Caduceus”, and his daughter Hygeia (“goddess” of Health), holding a snake and a bowl, became symbols of medicine and health, respectively. A variant of the Caduceus (with one snake and a staff) is used as a symbol by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, snakes and bowls are symbols associated with pharmacies in Europe. Snakes have also been worshiped by Hindus. In ancient Egypt, snake motifs appeared in hieroglyphs, and in China, dried snakes from about 30 species are still used in traditional medicine.

These symbols and their variants are commonly found in pharmacies and medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics:

1. The serpent of Epidaurus on the staff of Aesculapius (Asclepius):

Aesculapius was one of the Greek “gods” of medicine, frequently shown holding a staff with a snake coiled around it. Historically, the snake has symbolized wisdom, immortality, and healing in various cultures well before its link with ancient Greece.

2. The bowl of Hygeia with the serpent of Epidaurus:

This symbol is a variation of the previous one. Hygieia was Aesculapius’s daughter and a “goddess” of health (“Hygiene”). She was often shown holding a cup with a snake coiled around her body or arm.

3. The Caduceus

TThe staff featuring two snakes has been a symbol of medicine in the West since the 19th century, likely originating from other two older symbols. It is often depicted with wings and associated with Mercury (Roman) or Hermes (Greek), the messengers of the “gods”.

﴿سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا﴾

{Glorified and High be He! From `Uluwwan  Kabeeraa (the great falsehood) that they say.} [Surah al-Israa (17): 43]

Rather, Allaah is al-Shaafee (The Healer), who {…when I am ill, it is He who cures me} [Surah al-Shu`araa’ (26): 80]

Rather, “You (O Allaah!) are the Great Curer. There is no cure except through You. Cure (him/her), a cure that leaves no disease.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim]

Shaikh Muhammad `Alee Farkoos* حفظه الله said:

Fifth: Muslim doctors, pharmacists, and others should remove and refrain from placing all types of medical symbols and related items that have the potential to corrupt the `Aqeedah or are linked to pagan philosophy – whether on the (glass doors), walls, signboards, (prescription) papers, stamps, or means of transport (ambulance, etc.). This also includes the “Red Cross,” which is similar to the Christian symbol of the cross and is from the worst form of Kufr and the detestable form of Shirk (associating partners with Allaah). Allaah تعالى said:

﴿لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّـهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ﴾

{Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allaah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilaah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilaah (God -Allaah).} [Surah al-Maaidah (5): 73]

This also includes the pharmaceutical symbols, i.e., the snake coiled around a cup, because in the religion of the Greeks and Romans, the snake represents the “god” of medicine, who bestows health and well-being. Similarly, all symbols that oppose Tawḥeed and Sincerity (Ikhlaaṣ) towards Allaah and corrupt the Muslim `Aqeedah (Creed) should be shunned.

[Adapted from the book, “نصيحة إلى الطبيب المسلم” (Advice to the Muslim Doctor), pg.9:]

Also, understand that deficiency in Tawḥeed arises from excessive dependence on the means, like doctors, medicine, and other resources, instead of placing ultimate trust in Allaah. According to Sharee`ah (Islaamic law), one should make efforts to use the means available - such as seeking cures and sustenance - but the heart must rely on Allaah rather than on the means themselves.

[*Shaikh Muhammad `Alee Farkoos is a senior Salafi scholar from Algeria and has been praised by Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAsjoCZZkBA

Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool said: No one speaks ill of Shaikh Farkoos except an innovator.]

And Allaah is the One who grants success.