Abstract:

While scholars such as Avicenna (Ibn al-Sīnā) and Ibn Tufayl are considered to be leaders in the field of Islamic philosophy, the lesser known Ibn Nefis and his work Fāḍil ibn Nāṭiḳ is without doubt the greatest representation of Islamic theological/philosophical fiction in the 13th century. Besides being an accomplished physician, Ibn al-Nafīs is a scholar who has written many works on the various branches of the Islamic Sciences. Whilst Ibn al-Nafīs is perhaps best known for being the first to describe the pulmonary circulation of blood through the human body, he is also highly regarded for his philosophical works. In his above mentioned treatise, he has expressed his opinions on Islamic theological/philosophical topics. Unfortunately Ibn al-Nafīs’ Fāḍil ibn Nāṭiḳ is not very well known in the field of Islamic theology/philosophy. This article intends to promote both Ibn al-Nafīs and his work Fāḍil ibn Nāṭiḳ.

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