Practicing medicine as a Muslim doctor in a hospital environment comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Of all the Doctors in the world, you are a Muslim Doctor, and of all the Muslim doctors in the world, be a Practicing Muslim Doctor. Here are seven essential things to keep in mind to help you navigate this journey with faith and professionalism:
1. What Makes You Different
As a Muslim doctorthe thing that differentiate you from whole lot of Doctor is the Reward of this profession you will get not in this world but world hereafter. You are the saviour of humanity and as you have seen Doctors, they all are blessed in both ways,money and life. You see your role not just as a medical professional but also as a servant of humanity, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of your patients. And you get both the world and what’s bettter than that.
2. Niyyah (Intention) of Starting a Day
Begin each day with a clear intention (Niyyah) to serve Allah (SWT) through your work as a doctor. Remind yourself that your profession is not just a means of earning a livelihood but also a form of worship (Ibadah). With this intention in mind, approach each patient encounter with humility, compassion, and the sincere desire to alleviate suffering and promote healing. You will get reward according your Niyyah and go on with your day.
3. Build Positive Relationships with Hospital Staff
Treat everyone you encounter in the hospital with kindness, respect, and appreciation, including the support staff, guards, and ward boys. Cultivate good relationships with them by acknowledging their hard work and showing gratitude for their efforts. Occasionally, treat them with small gestures of kindness or gifts to strengthen your bond with them. This helps you in the long run and this little gifts of kindness will be a source of charity.
4. Everything You Do is a Way to Receive Blessings from Allah
In Islam, every action, no matter how small, has the potential to be a source of blessings and reward from Allah (SWT). Whether it’s diagnosing an illness, prescribing medication, or comforting a patient, approach each task with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure. By doing so, you transform your daily responsibilities into acts of worship and devotion.
“When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at dawn, seventy thousand angels make du’a of forgiveness for him till dusk. If he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand Angels make du’a of forgiveness for him till the morning, and he will be granted a garden in Jannah” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 969)
5. Find Time for Salah (Prayer) and Reflection
Make time for Salah (prayer) and reflection throughout your busy day. Identify prayer spaces within the hospital where you can perform your daily prayers on time. Use these moments of reflection to renew your intention, seek guidance from Allah (SWT), and recharge your spiritual batteries. This will be the difficult task from all but you have to do it. Ask your colleague to cover for you 10 minutes and you can pray. To conserve your time, always be in the state of wudhu so you can just go and pray salah. Also pray for your patients and this dua will be accepted for your sake too.
6. Practice Patience and Perseverance
Working in a hospital can be demanding and stressful, but as a Muslim doctor, you are encouraged to practice patience (Sabr) and perseverance (Tawakkul). Moist your tongue with zikr and durood and it will help you remain focused. Trust in Allah’s plan, remain calm in the face of challenges, and approach your work with a positive attitude and a steadfast resolve. Righteous people used to pray Salat ul Hajjat before starting their day.
7. Make Numerous Duas(Supplication) for yourself
Make Dua (supplication) regularly, asking Allah (SWT) to grant you wisdom, knowledge, and success in your practice. Trust in His mercy and rely on His help as you strive to fulfill your duties with excellence and compassion. When I was in medical school, those numerous diseases used to terrify me and then one day I read this and I was just in love with Allah and my prophet saww more;
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ الَّذِیْ عَافَانِیْ مِمَّا ابْتَلَاکَ بِہٖ وَفَضَّلَنِیْ عَلٰی کَثِیْرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ تَفْضِیْلًا
The Prophet SAWW taught us:” Alhamdulillah hillazi aafani mim mabtalaka bihi wa fazzalani ala kaseerim mimman khalaqa tafzeela”.
The prophet SAWW said:if somebody recites this dua while he saw someone else in some fatigue or ailment. he would not be involved in that fatigue or ailment.”(tirmizi, ibn-e-maaja & Tibraani)
8. Console Patients with Empathy an Care
Patients come to hospitals not only for treatment but also for comfort and reassurance. As a Muslim doctor, console your patients with empathy and compassion. Listen to their concerns, offer words of encouragement, and provide support during their time of need. Let them feel cared for and valued as individuals. It is tough being ill but Prophet Muhammad saww has reassured us that Allah will expiate some of the sins of a sick person.
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri and Abu Hurayrah r.a. reported that the Prophet saww said:
“No tiredness, exhaustion, worry, grief, distress or harm befalls a believer in this world, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allah expiates some of his sins thereby.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
CONCLUSION
Practicing medicine as a Muslim doctor is not just a profession; it’s a calling and an opportunity to serve Allah (SWT) by serving His creation. By keeping these seven things in mind, you can fulfill your responsibilities with faith, integrity, and compassion, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients and colleagues. Remember me in your Pretty Prayers:)
