Muslim Women in The Field of Medicine - III

06/11/2012| IslamWeb

Based on the texts of Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation), the hopes that we attach to our sisters who work in the medical field (including doctors, nurses, social workers and officials), include the following: 

• Good intention: This is not confined to this field, but it is required from every Muslim man and woman, because it turns one’s work into a rewardable act of worship.
Is it hard for a woman to intend that she fulfills a collective duty by working in this field?
Undoubtedly, having such a good intention entitles one to additional reward from Allah The Almighty, along with the original reward for undertaking a collective duty.

Is it hard for the woman who works in this field to intend to satisfy the needs of the Ummah (nation) to be independent of the non-Muslims and avoid the evils of their presence among us?

Is it hard for her to intend to do good for her fellow women by treating them, while simultaneously being a source of psychological comfort for them?

These intentions cost nothing; however, they entitle one to a great reward in addition to their role as moral and behavioral regulators of one’s work.

The presence of such great intentions in our hearts will lead to the eradication of many things that are not in accordance with the teachings and rulings of the Sharee‘ah.

• Acting as a role model for Muslim women as well as men by combining both adherence to the religion and utilizing the means of the latest technologies and modern sciences.

Some people in our Muslim communities believe that scientific and technological progress necessitates neglecting many of the Sharee‘ah regulations. They try to convince us that we cannot achieve any material progress without forsaking some parts of our religion. On the other hand, some people say that we must forsake material advancement to protect the religion, which is more precious. However, this is unrealistic, because the absence of Muslim male or female doctors will force Muslims to go to a non-Muslim doctor.

The contradiction between adherence to the rulings of the Sharee‘ah and achieving material progress is an illusion that results from two reasons:

- Ignorance about religion, which makes some people forsake some of their religious duties.
- A defeatist attitude, which leads to sacrificing many of the principles of the Sharee‘ah.

The solution lies in acquiring true knowledge that creates a balance between the commands of Allah The Almighty and the requirements of material progress which Allah The Almighty made available to all people. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth.} [Quran 2: 29 ]

• We hope to see medical workers among the most active people in the field of Da‘wah (Islamic propagation) and enjoining what is good. We do not mean that clinics and hospitals should turn into halls for delivering lectures or Khutbahs;(sermons), rather, we mean that medical workers should utilize their status to encourage people to do what is good.
You know that Christian evangelists uses medical services to spread their message in Islamic and non-Islamic countries. Their profession does not prevent them from exploiting their work in spreading Christianity and enticing thousands or millions of people towards apostatizing from Islam. The reality in Indonesia for example is appalling and reveals the horrible deception and exploitation of people’s needs.

Consequently, it is inappropriate for some Muslims to reject our call for using medical services to benefit Da‘wah activities, because we do not call on doctors to leave their work to deliver Khutbahs; rather, we ask them to deal with people kindly, speak with them gently, and draw their attention wisely to avoid violations.
• We hope that workers in the medical field (men and women) will utilize their distinguished social status, which makes their advice more acceptable. The new professions in any society retain appreciation as long as its people are few. Hence, people appreciate their efforts and accept their recommendations. Advice from a doctor might be more influential for some people than advice from an Islamic caller or a teacher. Therefore, you should not lose or neglect this blessing that Allah The Almighty has bestowed upon you.

• Our medical environment today is inherited from others and thus it contains good and bad elements --whether in terms of the program, administration, or practices. Thus, we should work on correcting the wrong elements through continuous revision, self-criticism and good behavior.

It is a very negative approach to surrender to every new innovation or theory that comes from non-Muslim communities. We are not saying that everything that comes from these disbelieving communities is bad and condemned. Some material systems and values apply equally to Muslims and non-Muslim, however, there are behaviors and administrative approaches that should be modified to accord with Islamic teachings.

The medical field is not above criticism, but it is also not an open topic for everyone. If we want people to respect this field, we should not resist correction, reform, and constructive criticism.

• We hope to get rid of the obstacles that face many of those who love the field of medicine and want to work in it, particularly women. These obstacles deprive them from any opportunity of positive interaction in this field and they can be divided into two types:
1- Organizational and administrative obstacles upon which these institutions are founded.
2- Obstacles created by the behavior of some workers in the field.

According to what is hear from doctors, there is no doubt that the medical field is in great need for male workers, and a greater need for female workers. Indeed, there is a social problem, because many people want to work in this field but they have several fears regarding it and prefer to keep away in spite of their belief in its great importance.

Possibly, those who are at the top of the administrative, organizational and even behavioral hierarchy are the ones who create these obstacles, which has diminished the quality and quantity of the medical workforce. Hence, it is the responsibility of each member of this institution to work towards removing these obstacles. This is the responsibility of senior officials, directors and even ordinary individuals, whose behavior might have given a particular impression about this field and we think that there is no need to clarify further, as even a word is sufficient indication to a wise person.

• We hope to see interdependence between the various branches of medicine (medical services, nursing, social service, and administration). We also hope to see separation between men and women. This is not just a dream, because it is a reality in some countries. Separation means getting rid of the negative aspects and creating a comfortable atmosphere for medical workers (men and women) and the general people in such a way that contributes to the success of work in the field of medicine. We all know that many women prefer to be checked and treated by female doctors, because they can deal with them freely, easily and comfortably.

We are not saying that this separation will take place overnight. However, we should work towards instituting practical steps, and a clear strategy towards this necessary and possible end.

Of course, in certain circumstances it may be necessary for women to be checked by men and vice versa, and this is acceptable under the Sharee‘ah as long as it remains within the limits of necessity.

We suffer from shortage in female medical cadres, so, we should start working towards candidates who are suited to achieve this purpose.
The future requires expansion in this field along with the regulations that encourage people to interact with its practitioners comfortably and confidently.