The Approach Of Umar Ibn Al-Khattāb To Health Services: An Analysis In The Context Of Jundishāpūr, The Plague Of Amwās, And Leprosy Practices

Abstract

Umar ibn al-Khattab, through the policies he implemented, became a turning point in Islamic civilization. He elevated the strength of the state established by the Prophet Muḥammad to a level capable of competing with the two superpowers that bordered the Muslim domains. The period of Umar is regarded as a phase in which administrative, financial, and social institutionalization became distinctly systematized within Islamic civilization. His establishment of the dīwān administration, structuring of the judiciary, founding of ribāṭs which later formed the basis of the postal system, organization of a regular army, promotion of educational activities, and institutionalization of public finance all point to his strong institutional perspective on state governance.

However, Umar did not achieve the same level of institutionalization in the field of health. Despite the presence of advanced medical centers—such as Jundīshāpūr—that came under Muslim rule following the conquests, there is no evidence of a clearly structured health organization during his era. Likewise, despite extensive research on his life and governance, no data indicate that he developed a specific treatment policy for the Plague of Amwās or for individuals suffering from leprosy.

There may be several key reasons why a health policy cannot be established at the institutional level. First, within Umar’s understanding of governance, health—given the social realities of the time—was an area largely approached through individual and familial measures. The idea of the state directly providing health services emerged later, with the development of medical institutions in Islamic society, a process that can be traced back to the mid-Umayyad period. Second, Umar prioritized the most urgent needs of the community; security, justice, fiscal order, educational activities, and the administration of conquests were likely regarded as more immediate necessities than the establishment of health institutions in the early years of the state. Third, the existing institutional structures in centers such as Jundishāpūr continued to function independently. Moreover, their integration into Islamic polity required time. Rather than forcibly intervening in or transforming these institutions, Umar preferred that they naturally integrate into Muslim society over time.

Nevertheless, this should not be interpreted as indifference on the part of Umar toward health-related matters. Indeed, during the Plague of Amwās and various individual health issues, he took precautionary measures, sought remedies, and consulted those with medical knowledge.

In summary, Umar’s lack of institutionalization in the field of health stems not from negligence or disregard, but from the social conditions of the period and the prioritization of other essential needs. His approach reflects a conception of health grounded in individual responsibility and community protection. In this article, a general evaluation is made based on the health-related data of the period.