Islamic Center of Southern California

The International Islamic Code for Medical and Health Ethics

CHAPTER 1

Medical Behavior and Physician Rights and Duties

Physician Ethics

Article One:

A physician should be sincere in performing his work, enjoy high moral values, be grateful towards his teachers and trainers, and acknowledge the efforts of others. He should serve as an example in taking care of his own health and giving due attention to the requirements of his body and to his general appearance, and he should refrain from anything that may influence the esteem accorded to his profession inside and outside his place of work.

Supporting Islamic Legal Evidence:

I. In the Glorious Quran:

1."You have sublime manners" (Al-Qalam LXVIII: 4).

2."Show forgiveness, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant" (Al-A'raaf VII: 199).

3."If they both opt for weaning by mutual agreement and after consultation, they will be free from blame" (Al-Baqarah II: 233).

4."And they conduct their affairs by mutual consultation" (Al-Shura XLII: 38).

II. In the Prophet's Tradition:

1.In an attributed tradition quoting Omar, "If you go in to check on a sick person, ask him to pray for you; his is like angels' prayers." (Cited by Ibn Maaja with a verified chain of citation.)

2."No person who has in his heart the equivalent of one iota of pride will be admitted into paradise." (Cited by Muslim.)

3.Anas is quoted as saying that the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, used to get close to a sick person, sit near his head, and ask how he was doing, saying, "How do you find yourself?" (Cited by Al-Bukhari.)

4.In an attributed tradition quoting Abu Sa'eed, "If you go in to check on a sick person, suggest to him that he still has long to live. That does not change a thing, and it makes the patient feel better." (Cited by Al-Tirmithi and Ibn Maaja.) Islamic Center of Southern California