Women site, - Muslim Women in The Field of Medicine - III

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 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
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 modelfor 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 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 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 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 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.