Cleaning yourself with water is sometimes not enough. Some types of stains cannot be removed by simply washing them with water. In the past, existing soaps were less effective at cleaning and smelled bad, so people were reluctant to use them. One of the people who contributed to the manufacture of this soap was Muhammad bin Zakaria Ar-Razi (854-925 AD)
He is an Iranian chemist who is also known as Rhazes in the western world. Ar-Razi is also known as a versatile scientist and is considered one of the greatest scientists in Islam.
From a young age, he studied philosophy, chemistry, mathematics and literature. In the field of medicine, he studied with Hunayn bin Ishaq in Baghdad. Upon his return to Tehran, he was entrusted with managing a hospital in Rayy. Furthermore, he also led the Muqtadari Hospital in Baghdad.
The inventor of the definition and how to prevent smallpox
As a principal doctor at the hospital in Baghdad, Ar-Razi was the first to make an explanation of smallpox:
"Chickenpox occurs when the blood 'boils' and becomes infected, which then causes steam to escape. Then the young blood (which looks like a wet extract on the skin) turns into more and more blood and is the color of ripe grapes. At this stage, smallpox shown in the form of bubbles in wine. This disease can occur not only in childhood, but also in adulthood. The best way to avoid this disease is to prevent contact with this disease, because the possibility of smallpox outbreaks can become epidemic, "wrote Ar- Razi.
This diagnosis was later praised by the Encyclopedia Britannica (1911) who wrote: "The first most accurate and reliable statement of the existence of a plague is found in the work of the Persian physician in the 9th century Rhazes, where he described the symptoms clearly, the pathology of the disease explained by parables. wine fermentation and how to prevent the plague."
Ar-Razi's book, Al-Judari wal-Hasbah (Pox and Measles) is the first book to discuss smallpox and measles as two distinct epidemics. The book was later translated a dozen times into Latin and other European languages. The non-dogmatic way of explanation and adherence to Hippocratic principles in clinical observation demonstrates Ar-Razi's way of thinking in this book.
The following is Ar-Razi's further explanation: "The appearance of smallpox is characterized by continuous fever, back pain, itching of the nose and nightmares while sleeping. The disease becomes worse when all these symptoms combine and itching is felt in all parts of the body. The spots on the face started to appear and there was a red discoloration of the face and eye bags. One of the other symptoms is a feeling of heaviness all over the body and a sore throat."
Soap invention
Centuries ago, chemists tried to create soaps that were effective at removing dirt and smelled good, and Ar-Razi was no exception.
He and other scientists made bar soap from oil (usually olive oil) and lye (a type of salt) that was boiled, then allowed to harden.
Quoted from the Islamic application KESAN, the discovery of soap in the 10th century AD is one of the greatest discoveries in history, because it saved mankind from various diseases.
Bar soap also became popular until it entered Europe in the 13th century AD. Until now, Ar-Razi's work can still be found in the bathrooms of our homes.
The modified Ar-Razi soap makes it easier for people to maintain personal hygiene and prevent body odor. Including for Muslims whose bodies must be clean every time they want to pray and do not smell bad.
During his time as a doctor, Ar-Razi was known for his good character and did not burden patients with burdensome costs. After several years of service, Ar-Razi developed cataracts in both eyes until he became blind and died. The figure who was born in Rayy, Tehran, Iran in the year 251 H./865, died in the year 313 H/925.