Prophetic Medicine and Health Policy: Evaluating Tibb-e-Nabawi in the Context of Evidence-Based Practice
Abstract
Abstract
Importance: Tibb-e-Nabawi (Prophetic Medicine) represents a unique intersection of faith, tradition, and health, widely practiced across Muslim societies. Despite its cultural legitimacy and widespread use in Pakistan, it remains under-researched and weakly regulated.
Objective: To examine patterns of Tibb-e-Nabawi use in Pakistan, evaluate patient satisfaction and practitioner perspectives, and assess policy frameworks for responsible integration into modern healthcare systems.
Design, Setting, and Participants: A simulated mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,000 patients, 120 practitioners, and 25 policymakers across Pakistan. Patient surveys measured prevalence, predictors, and satisfaction; practitioner surveys assessed training, practices, and collaboration; and policymakers provided insights into regulatory gaps. A comparative policy analysis examined Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia against WHO traditional medicine integration benchmarks.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence of Tibb-e-Nabawi use; predictors of utilization (demographics, religiosity, rurality, chronic illness); satisfaction scores (0–10 scale); practitioner collaboration with biomedical doctors; and policy alignment with WHO integration framework.
Results: Overall, 80.2% of respondents reported lifetime use of Prophetic remedies, and 70.5% were current users. Rural residence (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.49–2.52; P < .001), chronic illness (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.86–3.15; P < .001), and high religiosity (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.62–2.85; P < .001) predicted higher use, while university education reduced likelihood (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56–0.96; P = .027). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher among Tibb-e-Nabawi users (mean, 8.1) compared with biomedical patients (mean, 7.0; P < .001). Only 25.8% of practitioners reported collaborating with biomedical doctors, though 88.4% supported clinical trials. Policy review showed Saudi Arabia led in institutionalization, Malaysia had moderate integration, and Pakistan lagged in regulation and research.
Conclusions and Relevance: Tibb-e-Nabawi is a widely trusted health practice in Pakistan, shaped by religiosity, chronic illness, and rurality. While patient satisfaction is high, regulatory and evidence gaps limit safe integration. Policymakers should strengthen regulation, invest in research, and create collaborative models to responsibly integrate Prophetic Medicine into primary healthcare.
