Islamic spirituality in medical doctor curriculum development: a framework for integration of naqlī and ʿaqlī knowledge

Ab Razak, Nur Izah and Yusoff Azmi Merican, Yusoff Sharizal and Wan Sulaiman, Wan Noraini and Yusof, Nurul Asyiqin (2025) Islamic spirituality in medical doctor curriculum development: a framework for integration of naqlī and ʿaqlī knowledge. Journal of Maʿālim al-Qurʾān wa al-Sunnah, 21 (2). pp. 332-358. ISSN 1823-4356 E-ISSN 2637-0328

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Abstract

The growing recognition of spirituality as a vital component of holistic patient care has spurred a movement to integrate this dimension into medical education globally. From an Islamic perspective, which has historically embraced a holistic view of healing, the separation of the spiritual from the physical in modern medical practice presents a significant challenge. This paper examines the critical need and frameworks for integrating Islamic spirituality into the undergraduate Medical Doctor (MD) curriculum. Drawing upon foundational Islamic concepts such as the Tawhidic epistemological paradigm and Prophetic Medicine (al-ṭibb al-nabawī) and analysing the pioneering curriculum models of Malaysian institutions like Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), this study identifies key educational needs, opportunities, and challenges. The findings suggest that a successful integration requires a value-driven, programmatic approach that combines both revealed (naqlī) and rational (ʿaqlī) knowledge. This paper proposes a curriculum development framework to guide Muslim medical schools in cultivating spiritually competent, compassionate physicians who are equipped to address the complete well-being of their patients in the 21st century.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamic spirituality, medical curriculum, Prophetic Medicine, al-ṭibb al-nabawī, Tawhidic epistemology, medical education, holistic care, spiritual competence
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2361 Curriculum Q Science > Q Science (General) > Q128 Islam and Science R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Basic Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Basic Medical
Depositing User:	Dr. Yusoff Sharizal Yusoff Azmi Merican
Date Deposited:	06 Jan 2026 14:36
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2026 14:36
Queue Number:	2026-01-Q1559
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126728

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