Consuming Medicine from the Perspective of Maqasid Shariah

The 5 Purposes of the Law in Medicine

MAQASID AL SHARIAH FI AT-TIBB

Protection of FAITH (hifdh Ad-din)

Fundamentally includes ibadat in the wide sense that every human act is a form of ibadat. Ibadat cannot be achieved without good health and well-being. A weak body and mind cannot perform physical ibadat properly nor can they seek knowledge to equip themselves with aqidat. A sound mind is necessary for understanding and avoiding any false ideas that violate any true aqidat.

Protection of LIFE (hifdh al nafs)

Medicine plays somewhat of a role in assisting human health with the permission of Allah. Medical knowledge obtained is to aid disease treatment and rehabilitation of the patient.

Protection of the INTELLECT (hifdh al `aql)

Medical treatment plays a significant role in the protection of the mind. Medical treatment of physical illnesses removes the stress that affects the mental state, while the treatment of neuroses and psychoses restores intellectual and emotional functions. Medical treatment of alcohol and drug abuse has prevented deterioration of the intellect.

Protection of PROGENY (hifdh An-nasl)

Medicine contributes to the fulfilment of the progeny function by ensuring that children are well cared for, and eventually becoming healthy adults who can bear children of their own.

Protection of WEALTH (hifdh al mal)

The wealth of any community depends on the productive activities of its healthy citizens. A society with generally poor health is less productive than a healthy vibrant community. Medicines contribute to wealth generation by prevention of disease, promotion of health, and treatment of any diseases and their sequelae.

Reference:

[1] Professor Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. (2004). Islamic Medical Education Resources – 17.1 Purposes and Principles of Medicine, maqasid wa qawaid al tattib. Internet: http://omarkasule.tripod.com/id105.html

[2] Musa Mohd Nordin (2018). Keeping Communities Healthy, The Islamic Paradigm, International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 02 No. 02 April ’18, Internet: 49-54 https://mpaeds.my/keeping-communities-healthy-the-islamic-paradigm/

[3] Secularism in Medicine From Maqasid Al-Syariah – International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2017, Vol. 7, No.12. Internet: http://hrmars.com/hrmars_papers/Secularism_in_Medicine_from_Maqasid_Al-Syariah.pdf