Mohamad Ismail, Mohamad Firdaus and Shahadan, Siti Zuhaidah (2026) Caring with the soul of a da‘i: reclaiming the meaning of nursing in Islam. International Journal of Care Scholars, 9 (3). pp. 1-3. ISSN 2600-898X
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Abstract
Nursing is commonly understood as a profession centred on clinical competence, technical efficiency, and professional responsibility. From an Islamic perspective, however, nursing extends beyond clinical duties to encompass amanah (trust), rahmah (compassion), ihsan (excellence), worship, and service to humanity. This editorial reframes nursing through the concept of the nurse as a dā‘i, whereby da‘wah is expressed not primarily through formal preaching but through compassionate communication, patience, honesty, preservation of dignity, and empathy in everyday patient care. Drawing upon Qur’anic teachings and contemporary nursing literature, the discussion highlights the relationship between caring for the sick and the preservation of life within Maqasid al-Shariah, as well as the relevance of Prophetic compassion to contemporary nursing practice. The editorial also acknowledges current challenges faced by nurses, including heavy workloads, staff shortages, emotional exhaustion, excessive documentation, burnout, and stress, emphasising that expectations of compassionate practice must be accompanied by institutional support and fair working environments. Spiritual practices, renewal of intention, and reliance upon Allah are proposed as sources of resilience for Muslim nurses. Ultimately, nursing should be understood not merely as a collection of clinical tasks but as a form of worship, compassionate service, ethical responsibility, and subtle da‘wah through which Muslim nurses can embody Islamic values in professional practice.
| Item Type: | Article (Editorial) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Islamic nursing; da‘wah; compassionate care; spiritual care; nursing ethics; Maqasid al-Shariah; Muslim nurses |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RT Nursing R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT85 Nursing Ethics R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT85.2 Religious aspects |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Professional Nursing Studies |
| Depositing User: | Mr Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Ismail |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Sep 2026 11:20 |
| Last Update: | 14 Sep 2026 11:20 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-09-Q5056 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131191 |
| Indexed In: | MyCite |
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