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Journal of Religion and Health
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 4/2020

01-08-2020 | Original Paper

The Autopsy of the Prophet Muhammad in Dante’s Inferno

Authors: D. Lippi, P. Charlier, R. Bianucci, A. Coralli, O. Appenzeller, A. Perciaccante

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

Dante places the sinners who promoted scandals, schism, and discord in the ninth Ditch of the Inferno. Among those is also the Prophet Muhammad. Describing the Prophet’s punishment, Dante resorts to technical terms and vulgar expressions. This poetic representation highlights Dante’s medical and anatomical knowledge and reflects 14th c. Christian religious beliefs. At that time, autopsies were performed only on prisoners, prostitutes and people without identity. By comparing the Prophet to an autopsied corpse, Dante associates Muhammad with those bearing the badge of shame. Moreover, this description is a further confirmation that Dante had good medical knowledge.
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Metadata
Title
The Autopsy of the Prophet Muhammad in Dante’s Inferno
Authors
D. Lippi
P. Charlier
R. Bianucci
A. Coralli
O. Appenzeller
A. Perciaccante
Publication date
01-08-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0725-9

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