Islamic Medical Ethics

Point to your SELF

No matter how important the brain thinks it is, the brain that is coordinating the pointing movements seems to know where a major component of the “self” it shares with the body resides.

The area most people point to is where we sense the existence of the spiritual components of the human being.

These components make up what I’m referring to as the Inner Condition.

Inner Condition

This picture summarizes the primary difference between the Islamic perspective on human cognition and behavior and the popular Western considerations and explanations here in the West.

While factoring in the role of the brain, brain chemistry and environmental influences, the Islamic perspective focuses on the function and impact of what is referred to in this presentation as the inner condition on both cognitions and behavior.

Inner Condition

No one will succeed on the Day of Resurrection (Day of Accountability) – the day when neither wealth nor offspring will avail – except for the one who comes to their Lord with a sound (Inner Condition) 26:88-89

A detailed explanation of the four components of the “Inner Condition” is a fascinating discussion. Today I will simply refer to this collective as the:

Inner Condition

God will never change the Grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their own souls… 8:53

In other words, “God will not change the condition you are in until you change the condition within.”

As Dr. Gaffney stated in a recent presentation, “Conduct and character is where ethics lives.”

As such Islam refers to the development of conduct and character as “Guarding this Inner Condition”.

Conduct and Character: Guarding the Inner Condition

Seven Portals or Access Sites to the Inner Condition

TongueEyesEars

StomachGenitalsHands Feet

Tongue

Speak the truth. Don’t backbite. Choose silence when it is the best option. Do not talk excessively or at length about trivial, meaningless things. Excessive joking without the balance of discussing things of import is discouraged. Use the tongue to Zikr (remember) the Creator. Give the ears of others and your tongue a rest! In a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: “Part of the attractiveness of a person’s Islam is to leave alone that which does not concern him/her.” (this includes idle chit chat)

People are responsible for the use of their tongue

Eyes

Guard your gaze. Don’t stare or gaze at things obscene. When seeing something of this nature unexpectedly, quickly lower your gaze.

In a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The first glance is the woman, the second becomes something else.

People are responsible for the use of their eyes

Ears

Remove yourself when the conversation turns to things slanderous and degrading or a preponderance of negativity. This applies when other faiths or faith leaders past or present are being disparaged. Do not listen to blasphemous talk or sexual innuendo. Do not eavesdrop.

People are responsible for the use of their ears

Stomach

Be careful what you eat and drink. Don’t eat in excess or in a deficient manner. (emphasis on balance) Eat nutritiously. The Prophet Muhammad modeled filling 1/3 of the stomach with food, 1/3 with water and leaving room for air in the other third.

People are responsible for the use of their stomach

Genitals

Sexual activity outside of marriage is haram (illegal immoral sinful = seamless)

People are responsible for the use of their genitals

Hands

Use your hands in positive endeavors. Don’t steal. Don’t strike others unless in self-defense. Don’t beat yourself.

People are responsible for the use of their hands

Feet

Don’t make your feet take you places you should not be. Make your feet leave any negative places and situations you find yourself in or have gone to mistakenly. Don’t kick others or animals unless in self-defense.

People are responsible for the use of their feet

QALB

One of the 4 components that make up the inner condition

Definition

APPENDIX A

P. 161

Diseases of the Qalb (Heart)Diseases of the Qalb:

1 Dissatisfaction with the Design of the Designer2 Extended Hope3 Heedlessness4 Love of Praise and Influence5 Seeking Approval

Disease of the Qalb/Heart

Dissatisfaction with the Design of the Designer

p. 118

Disease of the Qalb/Heart

Heedlessness

P. 124

Heart of Today’s Discussion

Islamic Concept of Obligatory Activities and Necessary Activities The Medical Concept of Medical Necessity

CASES