Inaugurated as Professor of Pharmacology, UIN Jakarta Scholar Promotes Prophetic Medicine

Auditorium Harun Nasution, UIN News Online – The global health crisis demands a holistic medical approach that aligns more closely with the diverse needs of society. Prophetic-integrative medicine should be promoted as an alternative healthcare model that addresses both physical health and mental-spiritual well-being.

This was emphasized by Prof. Dr. Flori Ratna Sari, Ph.D., Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, during her inauguration as Professor of Pharmacology at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The ceremony, held on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, featured her scientific oration titled “Cupping, Honey, and Black Seed: Prophetic Relics Integrating Medicine, Islam, and Spirituality.”

In her address, Prof. Flori invited the audience to retrace the roots of prophetic medicine, which has been practiced for millennia but is now gaining traction within modern scientific discourse.

She noted, for instance, that cupping therapy dates back to 1550 BCE in the Ebers Papyrus of Ancient Egypt and was mentioned by Greek figures such as Aulus Cornelius Celsus. Cupping is believed to detoxify the body and restore systemic balance.

Alongside cupping, she highlighted two natural substances—honey and black seed (habbatussauda)—which are both recommended in Hadith and Islamic literature as part of the medical practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

However, Prof. Flori did not focus solely on the historical or religious aspects. She presented scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of these three elements, including their effects on the immune system, inflammation, and even anti-cancer potential.

Quoting Albert Einstein, she asserted that science must always be driven by curiosity rooted in spiritual awareness. “I believe God does not play dice,” she quoted, emphasizing that natural phenomena are governed by divine laws and purpose.

Through this lens, she advocated for an integrative medical approach that goes beyond biomedical perspectives to include spiritual and Islamic dimensions—a model she terms integrative prophetic medicine.

In today’s health landscape, such a holistic approach is increasingly relevant. Practices like cupping, and the use of honey and black seed, are not only continuing in traditional medicine but are also entering scientific research, medical journals, and even sharia-compliant healthcare services.

Her oration marks a significant moment in showing that science and faith need not be in conflict. Instead, they can coexist, strengthen one another, and provide a more humane and spiritually rich practice of medicine.

Prof. Dr. Flori Ratna Sari, Ph.D., is a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Medicine, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. She earned her doctoral degree in public health and complementary medicine. Her research focuses on integrating health sciences with Islamic values, making her one of the pioneers of scientifically grounded prophetic medicine in Indonesia.

(Rizkiyah Gustiana N. / Fauziah M. / Noeni Indah Sulistiyani. / Photo: M. Yahya)