In 1238, Islamic scholars were making significant advancements in medicine, particularly in cities like Baghdad and Cordoba. Figures such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) were contributing to the understanding of diseases and medical practices, laying the groundwork for modern medicine. These developments not only improved healthcare but also influenced European medical thought as knowledge began to flow from the Islamic world into Europe.

The advancements in medicine inspired poets to explore themes of health, healing, and the human condition in their works. The intersection of science and poetry became evident as writers began to reflect on the fragility of life and the quest for wellness. Poets like Rumi often incorporated medical metaphors into their poetry, using them to express deeper philosophical ideas about existence and the soul.