Ethics of the Medical Profession in Islam
The medical profession is renowned for its humanitarian and compassionate nature. Imam Al-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, remarked that it is “the noblest profession I have known after the religious sciences.” Islamic law has granted permission for medicine, treatment, and healing, urging the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to seek cures for ailments whenever possible, unless the medication is prohibited. The Prophet stated: “O servants of Allah, seek treatment, for Allah has not created any disease without creating its cure – or remedy.”
Treatment and healing are not confined to Muslim physicians alone. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged seeking medicine from non-Muslim doctors when necessary. He called for Al-Harith bin Kaladah, a renowned Arab physician, to treat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him), even though Al-Harith had not yet embraced Islam. The Prophet acknowledged Al-Harith’s significant medical expertise.
The primary principle for accurately diagnosing a disease to prescribe the appropriate treatment is that the patient must feel comfortable with their doctor. This environment encourages patients to disclose their ailments in complete confidentiality, possibly for the first time, even to their closest relatives or spouses.
Medical Ethics in Islam
A Muslim doctor with good character holds a revered position in Islam, being among those closest to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Hereafter. This status is reserved for those who embody good morals, fostering kindness and compassion in their practice of medicine. When attending to a patient or the deceased, a doctor is encouraged to offer prayers for their well-being, utilizing permissible and righteous supplications. As the Prophet stated: “When you visit the sick or the deceased, say good things; for the angels say ‘Ameen’ to what you say.”
Confidentiality in the Medical Profession in Islam
It is well-known that the medical profession involves handling sensitive information. The most crucial moral obligation for a physician concerning patient confidentiality is trustworthiness. This principle is recognized even among non-Muslim doctors; Western societies refer to patient confidentiality as the “honor of the profession,” while in our faith and cultural values, we term it “trust.” Allah has entrusted us with its protection and preservation.
A doctor may discover information that is not commonly known to others. Therefore, the physician must uphold the confidentiality of any secrets obtained during patient examination, diagnosis, or surgical procedures.
In certain circumstances, a doctor may perceive a necessity to disclose some confidential information for therapeutic reasons. Such instances may include:
- If one spouse is diagnosed with a contagious disease, the uninfected partner should be informed to take necessary precautions.
- If a patient is unfit for a specific job, such as someone suffering from severe psychiatric episodes or visual impairment, it is essential to inform their employer, especially if the patient works as a driver.
- If there is knowledge of an active contagious disease.
- During pre-marital medical examinations, if it becomes evident that one spouse is not medically compatible with the other, the pertinent information must be communicated.
- If it is established that a patient’s death resulted from a criminal act.
- If the patient has provided written consent to disclose their medical information and sharing this information would benefit their treatment.
- If requested by an official legal authority.
Legal Rulings on Exposing Awra (Private Parts) to Physicians
The majority of scholars and jurists agree that revealing the awra (private parts) of male or female patients is permissible in urgent situations. They assert that it is acceptable for a female obstetrician to examine the pelvic area of a woman during childbirth or to identify medical issues related to that area. Additionally, a Muslim male physician may treat a female patient if no female doctor is available, provided that it is a matter of necessity. Similarly, female physicians may examine and touch the areas that require urgent attention, provided no male doctor is available, and there is a pressing need for medical care such as severe illness or pain.