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Muslim Women in The Field of Medicin

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Muslim Women in The Field of Medicine - III

(Islamweb)
Based on the texts of Shareeah (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 ones 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 Allaah 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 ones 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 Shareeah.

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 Shareeah regulations. They try to convince us that we
cannot achieve any material progress without forsaking some parts of our religion. On the other
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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 Shareeah 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 Shareeah.

The solution lies in acquiring true knowledge that creates a balance between the commands of
Allaah The Almighty and the requirements of material progress which Allaah The Almighty made
available to all people. Allaah 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 Dawah (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 peoples needs.

Consequently, it is inappropriate for some Muslims to reject our call for using medical services to
benefit Dawah 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
Allaah 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
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Muslim Women in The Field of Medicin

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 Shareeah as long as it remains within the limits of
necessity.

We suffer from shortage in female medical cadres, so, we should start working towards
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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.

2012-11-06

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