Page 71 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

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NEGLECTED ARABIA

Missionary News and Letters
Published Quarterly
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION AMv' NG THE FRIENDS OF
THE ARABIAN MISSION

The Arab Woman and the Lady Physician

Mrs. E. E. Calveklly, M.D.
T HE attitude of the Arab woman to the woman doctor cannot he
fathomed without an understanding of the Mohammedan religion.
To the Moslem, the lady physician is, hrst of all, a Christian,
and, like other infidels, is undoubtedly destined for “the lire.”
On the other hand, she is a believer in the prophet Jesus who, ac­
cording to the Koran, was pre-eminently the prophet entrusted with
miracles of healing and of raising the dead. As a follower o£ Him
*lic may reasonably be expected to have special gifts for curing the
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sick.
Against the Christian physician are arrayed all the powers of super­
stition, loyalty to old and tried customs and the inHuence of Moslem t.
neighbors who advise strongly against having any dealings with these * ’a
•pig eating” foreigners. Added to these is the deadly opposition of
family mid-wives, old women, preferably blind, and the hostility of i
icligious leaders who are accustomed to being paid for writing charms
lo be used by the sick, and of others whose prestige and livelihood seem
lo be endangered by the coming of the Christian rival.
The possession of a medical education means nothing to the Arab.
He has never heard of medical schools, has never seen a microscope
aiul has no idea what is meant by a medical degree. But, thank
laud, the Arab is human. When an Arab woman suffers she longs
(or relic I. It the Moslems cannot give ii lo her she usually turns lo
anyone else who claims lo be able lo cure disease. There are those
who are so lanatical that lliey would die before consulting an "un*
believer, * but more than one Moslem has come secrclly to ihe
llirisliaus asking lor a liitle “swine’s llesh.” lo ilie Mohammedan the
must loathsome and religiously defiling of forbidden foods, willing even
to make this compromise in ihe hope that, used as a medicine, the pork
may bring relief.
Moreover, the Arab women are susceptible lo love. After silting
>ilcnlly in dispensary furtively watching every movement of the doctor
mid nurses with keen suspicion, her fear gradually decreases. She
>ccs one patient after another treated with lender, loving care; her

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