Which Medical Specialist’s Career Would Incur Greater Rewards?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I am a doctor who is deciding on a field to specialize in. I have considered many things and have found that many fields appeal to me. I want to base my decision on what carries the most reward for the hereafter.
My two options are:
- Cardiology – I will save a lot of lives hands-on. Not many people can be good cardiologists. I also intend to partake in academic ventures that I feel will benefit the Umma. However, due to training and work, I will miss many congregational prayers and might even have many make-up prayers.
- Radiology – Still crucial as part of a team, and I feel I can offer congregational prayers—however, no Umma benefitting research.
Which one is better for my hereafter?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
May Allah guide us to that which pleases Him, forgive us for our shortcomings, and alleviate our difficulties, Amin.
May Allah reward you for your sincere desire to seek His pleasure and serve His servants.
There certainly are great rewards in either described career, but since the question is about which one is better, I am inclined to suggest that you pursue cardiology.
My reasoning is as follows:
- Saving Lives – You mentioned that this career would enable you to save many lives InshaAllah. Saving lives is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding acts one could attain. As a general principle, the preservation of life takes precedence over the preservation of one’s Din.
- Greater Need – You also mentioned that not many people have what it takes to be a good cardiologist. That indicates a greater need for good, Muslim, and God-fearing cardiologists who may be able to serve Allah’s servants with integrity.
- Dispensations – Your concern for your prayers is noble, praiseworthy, and a sign of faith. We pray that Allah rewards you generously for this. There are, however, dispensations that exist for dire circumstances such as those you may have to face, in which you could combine prayers, pray while operating, and miss congregational prayers without neglecting your duty to Allah.
With the above and other consultations you may have had about this critical decision, I urge you to pray istikhara and proceed with your choice, as there is goodness in either of them, and Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
