Should a Muslim Pursue a Medical Career Despite the Risk of Unintentional Mistakes?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Should a Muslim pursue a medical career despite the risk of unintentional mistakes causing harm or death? Are accidental errors sinful, and do indirect specialties like radiology or pathology carry similar risks?
Answer
Pursuing a medical career is highly commendable in Islam, as it aligns with the objectives of preserving life and serving humanity. However, concerns about unintentional mistakes causing harm or death are valid and must be addressed.
Are Accidental Errors Sinful?
Unintentional mistakes are not considered sinful in Islam, as accountability is based on intention. Allah (Most High) says, “There is no blame on you for what you do by mistake, but only for what your hearts deliberately intend.” [Quran, 33:5]
Similarly, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily, Allah has pardoned for my community their mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are compelled to do under duress.” [Ibn Maja]
In cases of accidental harm or death, a Muslim is not sinful but may be required to offer expiation (kaffara) or pay blood money (diya) depending on the circumstances.
Do Indirect Specialties Like Radiology or Pathology Carry Similar Risks?
Indirect specialties such as radiology or pathology typically involve lower risks of direct harm to patients, as they focus on diagnostic or supportive roles rather than direct treatment. However, mistakes in these fields can still have consequences, such as misdiagnoses or delays in treatment. Islamic principles of ihsan (excellence) and amana (trustworthiness) encourage all healthcare professionals to perform their duties with the utmost care and diligence.
Guidance for Aspiring Muslim Doctors
- Intentions and Service: Pursuing a medical career with the intention of helping others and seeking Allah’s pleasure is an act of worship and is highly rewarded.
- Education and Training: Proper education, continuous learning, and seeking expertise reduce the likelihood of mistakes and fulfill the trust placed in healthcare professionals.
- Reliance on Allah: While striving for excellence, one should place their trust in Allah (Most High), knowing that all outcomes are ultimately within His decree.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve their hardship on the Day of Judgment.” [Muslim]
Conclusion
Muslims are encouraged to pursue careers in medicine with a sense of responsibility and reliance on Allah (Most High). Accidental errors are not sinful, but professionalism and diligence are required to minimize risks. Indirect specialties may carry fewer direct risks but still require caution and competence to uphold Islamic values of trust and care.
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
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 has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
