Dr. Abdullah Haji Faqui: Six Decades of Medical Service in Bhatkal

Article written by: Ali Siddiqua
All data collected and uploaded by: Ahmed MS
All information provided by: Dr. Hakeem Abdullah himself

Early Life and Family Background

Dr. Hakeem Abdullah, from the respected Haji Faqui family, was born on April 27, 1936, in the coastal town of Bhatkal, Karnataka. His father, Abubakar, and his mother, Amina Ruknuddin, raised young Abdullah in an environment that valued education, compassion, and service to the community. Now at the remarkable age of 88 years, Dr. Abdullah continues to embody these values, dedicating his life to the ancient art of Unani medicine.

From his early years, Abdullah showed a keen interest in learning and a natural inclination toward helping others. His parents, recognizing his potential, ensured he received the best education available, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career in medicine spanning over six decades.

Educational Journey

Dr. Abdullah’s formal education began at the prestigious Canara High School in Mangalore, where he completed his SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) in 1954. This achievement marked the beginning of his academic excellence and opened doors to higher education in the field of medicine.

Driven by a passion for medicine and traditional medical practice, he pursued his medical education at the renowned Nizamiya Unani Medical College in Hyderabad in 1956. This institution, known for its rigorous training in the Unani system of medicine, provided him with a strong theoretical foundation and practical knowledge of this ancient tradition. The Unani system, with its roots in Greek medicine and enriched by Arab and Persian physicians, emphasizes the balance of bodily humors and natural treatment methods.

Continuing his medical education, Dr. Abdullah graduated from the Graduate College of Unani Medicine (GCUM) in 1960, earning his degree as a qualified Unani physician. This comprehensive training equipped him with deep knowledge of herbal medicines, dietary regulations, and holistic treatment approaches that would later define his medical practice.

Early Professional Years

Upon completing his education in 1960, Dr. Abdullah began his professional journey at the Luqmani Clinic in Mangalore, where he practiced from 1960 to 1965. These five formative years were crucial in shaping his clinical skills and understanding of patient care. Working in Mangalore, a bustling coastal city with diverse health challenges, exposed him to a wide variety of cases and helped him refine his diagnostic abilities and treatment methodologies.

During this period, Dr. Abdullah not only applied his academic knowledge but also learned the practical aspects of running a medical practice, understanding patient psychology, and building trust within the community. The experience at Luqmani Clinic proved invaluable, preparing him for the next significant chapter of his life.

Establishment in Bhatkal

On April 11, 1965, Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui took a bold step that would define the rest of his career and impact thousands of lives. He established his own clinic in his hometown of Bhatkal, setting up practice at Farooqi Street. For nearly 60 years now – from April 11, 1965, to the present day – Dr. Abdullah has been serving the people of Bhatkal and surrounding areas from this very location.

What makes his practice unique is its integration with his residence. His clinic operates from the outer portion of his house, while his family resides in the inner quarters. This arrangement symbolizes his complete dedication to his patients – he is always available, always accessible, and always ready to serve those in need, regardless of the hour.

Medical Practice and Expertise

Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui practices as a Unani and Homoeopathic Physician, along with being a General Medical Practitioner. This combination of traditional Unani medicine, Homoeopathy, and general medical knowledge makes him a truly versatile doctor, capable of addressing a wide spectrum of health conditions.

Philosophy of Medical Practice

Dr. Abdullah firmly believes in the comprehensive nature of Unani medicine. As he often states, “In Unani, there is everything and a cure for all diseases.” This philosophy reflects the holistic approach of Unani medicine, which doesn’t just treat symptoms but addresses the root cause of illness by restoring balance to the body’s natural systems.

His practice is founded on the principle that the human body has an innate capacity to recover when provided with the right environment, nutrition, and natural medicines. He emphasizes prevention over cure and lifestyle modifications alongside medicinal treatments.

Diagnostic Excellence

One of Dr. Abdullah’s most remarkable skills is his diagnostic ability, particularly his mastery of pulse diagnosis (Nabz), a cornerstone of Unani medicine. With decades of experience, he has developed an extraordinary ability to diagnose conditions simply by examining a patient’s pulse. Locals often marvel at how he can “check the hand and tell the disease” – a testament to his deep understanding of the subtle signs the body provides.

This diagnostic method, refined over 60 years of continuous practice, allows him to identify imbalances in the body’s humors (Akhlat), assess organ function, and determine the nature and severity of illnesses. His diagnostic accuracy, built on years of experience and thousands of patients, has earned him immense trust and respect in the community.

The All-Rounder Physician

Dr. Abdullah is known as an “all-rounder” doctor – a physician who can treat virtually any condition that comes through his door. Whether it’s chronic diseases, acute illnesses, digestive disorders, respiratory problems, skin conditions, or lifestyle-related ailments, patients trust him as their first point of contact for healthcare.

This comprehensive approach means that locals prefer to consult him first whenever something happens to them or their family members. His ability to treat such a wide range of conditions stems from the holistic nature of Unani medicine, combined with his integration of Homoeopathic principles and general medical knowledge.

Treatment Approach

Dr. Abdullah’s treatment methodology combines:

• Herbal Medicines: Using natural compounds and herbal formulations based on Unani pharmacology
• Dietary Regulations (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza): Prescribing specific foods and dietary modifications to restore health
• Lifestyle Counseling: Advising on exercise, sleep, and daily routines (Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya)
• Homoeopathic Remedies: Incorporating Homoeopathic principles for certain conditions
• General Medical Care: Providing comprehensive primary healthcare services

His prescriptions are personalized, taking into account each patient’s unique constitution (Mizaj), age, lifestyle, and specific health condition. This individualized approach ensures optimal results and minimal side effects.

Personal Life and Family

Dr. Abdullah’s personal life is as rich and fulfilling as his professional journey. He has been blessed with a large, loving family.

First Marriage

His first wife, Fathima Zuhra Muallim, has been his life partner and support system. Together, they have been blessed with six children – three sons and three daughters:

Sons:

• Mohammed Ajmal Haji Faqui
• Mohammed Azzam
• Mohammed Ameen

Daughters:

• Zakia Kausar
• Waseem Anjum
• Rawnak Afreen

Second Marriage

Dr. Abdullah’s second wife is Sirajunisa Quazi. However, we currently do not have detailed information available about children from this marriage.

This large family has been a source of joy, strength, and motivation throughout his long career. The family residence at Farooqi Street has not only been his clinic but also a home filled with warmth, love, and the laughter of children and grandchildren.

Impact on the Community

For the people of Bhatkal, Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui is more than just a doctor – he is a trusted physician, a counselor, and a pillar of the community. His clinic has witnessed generations of families seeking his care. Grandparents who once consulted him as young adults now bring their grandchildren to him, testament to the trust and confidence he has built over six decades.

His practice has:

• Provided affordable healthcare to thousands of patients
• Preserved and promoted traditional Unani medicine in the modern era
• Offered an alternative to conventional medicine for those seeking natural treatments
• Been available to the community round-the-clock from his residence-clinic

The local community’s preference for consulting Dr. Abdullah first, before seeking other medical opinions, speaks volumes about his reputation and the effectiveness of his treatments. He has become an institution in himself – a living legacy of traditional medicine practiced with dedication and compassion.

Active Practice at 88

What is truly remarkable about Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui is that, at 88 years of age, he continues to practice actively. While many would have retired decades ago, Dr. Abdullah’s commitment to serving his patients keeps him engaged and purposeful. His clinic at Farooqi Street continues to welcome patients daily, and his experienced hands still diagnose and treat with the same precision and care as they did 60 years ago.

His continued practice is a blessing for the community and an inspiration for younger generations of healthcare providers. It demonstrates that medicine is not merely a profession but a calling – one that Dr. Abdullah has answered faithfully for nearly six decades.

Legacy and Philosophy

Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui’s life and career embody several important principles:

Lifelong Learning: Even after 60 years of practice, he continues to learn from each patient and each case.

Service Above Self: His residence-clinic model shows that medical practice is not a 9-to-5 job but a round-the-clock commitment.

Trust in Traditional Medicine: His unwavering faith in Unani medicine – “In Unani there is everything and cure for all diseases” – has validated this ancient system for countless patients.

Holistic Healthcare: By combining Unani, Homoeopathy, and general medicine, he offers comprehensive care that addresses body, mind, and spirit.

Accessibility: By practicing from his home, he has made quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their economic status.

Generational Service: Treating multiple generations of the same families has created bonds that transcend the doctor-patient relationship.

Conclusion

Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui’s biography is not merely a record of dates and achievements; it is a testament to a life dedicated to medical service and compassion. From his birth in 1936 to his current practice at age 88, spanning a remarkable 60-year medical career from April 11, 1965, to the present, Dr. Abdullah has touched thousands of lives.

His clinic on Farooqi Street, Bhatkal, stands as a beacon of hope and medical care, where the ancient wisdom of Unani medicine meets modern healthcare needs. His ability to diagnose with precision, treat with natural remedies, and care with compassion has made him not just a doctor but a beloved figure in the community.

As Dr. Hakeem Abdullah Haji Faqui continues his practice, he represents a rare blend of experience, expertise, and dedication. His life story inspires not only those in the medical field but anyone who believes in the power of service, the importance of traditional knowledge, and the value of unwavering commitment to one’s calling.

In an era where traditional medicine systems are often overlooked, Dr. Abdullah stands as living proof of their efficacy and relevance. His legacy will continue through the thousands of patients he has treated, the families he has served, and the example he has set for future generations of physicians.