Hakeem Muhammad Saeed

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Hakeem Muhammad Saeed (Urdu: حکیم محمد سعید; January 9, 1920 – October 17, 1998) was a renowned Pakistani physician, herbalist, and a philanthropist. He was also a prominent scholar, and an author of numerous books on medicine, health, science, and Islam. Saeed is widely celebrated for his contributions to the field of Eastern medicine in Pakistan and was the founder of the Hamdard Foundation in 1948, an institution that played a pivotal role in the promotion of herbal medicine and education in Pakistan.

Early Life and Education

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed was born in Delhi, British India, in 1920 into a family with a long tradition of practicing Unani medicine. He received his early education in the traditional madrasa system, where he gained a deep knowledge of Islamic studies and Arabic. Later, he pursued higher education in the field of medicine and earned his degree in pharmacy from the University of Delhi.

Career

After the partition of India in 1947, Saeed migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi. In 1948, he established the Hamdard Foundation, which soon became one of the largest manufacturers of herbal medicines in Pakistan. Under his leadership, Hamdard expanded its operations and established educational institutions, including the Hamdard University in 1991, where traditional and modern sciences were taught.

Saeed was also deeply involved in public service and philanthropy. He initiated numerous educational and healthcare projects, including the establishment of Madina-tul-Hikmah, a complex housing educational institutions, a research center, and a hospital, all aimed at reviving the Islamic heritage and promoting the Unani system of medicine.

Publications

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed authored and published over 200 books on a wide range of subjects, including medicine, health, science, education, and religion. His works contributed significantly to the understanding and promotion of Eastern medicine and holistic health. Some of his notable publications include books on the history of medicine, health guides, and commentaries on Islamic teachings.

Assassination

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed was assassinated on October 17, 1998, in Karachi. His murder was a great loss to Pakistan and the field of traditional medicine. The government of Pakistan posthumously awarded him the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award, in recognition of his services to the nation.

Legacy

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed's legacy lives on through the Hamdard Foundation and its various educational and healthcare initiatives. He is remembered as a visionary who dedicated his life to the betterment of society and the promotion of natural medicine. His contributions to the field of herbal medicine and his efforts to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science have left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of Pakistan.