The Muslim physician and the ethics of medicine

Abstract

Virtuous physicians seem to have become a rarity in modern day medical practice. Many patients and physicians feel that the profession of medicine is not living up to its own standards and expectations. It is the contention of the author that the Muslim physician, guided by the two primary sources of Islamic Law, the Qur'an and the Sunna, will possess the necessary character traits of a good physician. In this article I argue that the Muslim physician who abides by the Qur'an will live a contented life, will be trusted by his/her patients and community, and will be in line with the recently enacted Western principles of medical ethics.