Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
We begin in the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muḥammad (S.A.W.), his family, his companions, and all who follow their path. We pray that Allah makes this new publication a means of knowledge, benefit, and service to our communities, and that He accepts it from all who contribute to it. Aameen.
Pharmacy Beyond the Counter
What Does It Mean to Go “Beyond the Counter”?
Pharmacy Beyond the Counter is a fresh, bi-weekly publication of PMSSN national Secretariat (University of Ilorin) dedicated to showcasing the evolving, multifaceted role of the pharmacists in Nigeria and beyond. In every issue, we will shine a light on the unseen dimensions of pharmacy practice, clinical care, public health, research, leadership, and service, and reconnect these roles to our rich Islamic heritage of knowledge and compassion.
Our aim: To inspire Muslim pharmacy students to view their profession as more than a career, but as a calling: a means of serving humanity, upholding integrity, and seeking the pleasure of Allah. Each issue will offer clear, evidence-based insight and practical guidance on how we can “go beyond the counter” in our studies and our future practice.
For Many, the Word “Pharmacist”…
For many, the word “pharmacist” conjures an image of someone behind a counter, dispensing medicines. While dispensing is important, it is only one part of our noble profession. As Muslim pharmacy students and future pharmacists, our responsibility is broader: to preserve life, promote health, and serve humanity with sincerity and excellence, all of which can be acts of ʿibadah (worship) if done for Allah’s sake.
A Legacy From the Early Days of Islam
Pharmacy as a distinct profession blossomed under Muslim civilisation. As early as the 8th century, “saydaliyyah” (pharmacy) developed in Baghdad and other centres of learning. Muslim scholars like Al-Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote detailed texts on drugs, compounding, and ethics that influenced Europe for centuries. Hospitals (bimaristans) of the Abbasid era had dispensaries and qualified saydalanis who prepared and regulated medicines, a model of professional practice and ethical care rooted in Islamic values. This heritage reminds us that going “beyond the counter” is not new; it is part of our tradition.
Service as an Act of Worship
Islam teaches that serving people with sincerity is a form of continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah). Providing sound pharmaceutical care, counselling patients, ensuring medicine safety, and educating communities are all ways of fulfilling our duty to Allah’s creation. The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “Allah loves, when one of you does something, that he does it with excellence.” (Ibn Hibban) Excellence in pharmacy means knowledge, integrity, and compassion.
The Pharmacist as a Trusted Health Partner
Beyond dispensing, pharmacists collaborate with physicians, nurses, and public health workers. We review medication regimens, detect harmful interactions, design treatment protocols, educate communities on disease prevention, and contribute to policy. These unseen roles are where pharmacists make some of their greatest impact.
Leadership and Advocacy
Going beyond the counter also means leadership. Pharmacists raise awareness about rational drug use, push for safer health policies, and mentor the next generation. As Muslim pharmacists we have a special opportunity to embody ethical leadership rooted in our values, showing society that professionalism and spirituality can go hand in hand.
Our Promise in This Publication
Pharmacy Beyond the Counter will explore these dimensions biweekly. We will highlight unseen roles, correct misconceptions about our profession, and inspire leadership grounded in Islamic ethics. Together, let’s step out from behind the counter and demonstrate the full value of pharmacy, for the health of our communities and for the pleasure of Allah.
A small window will also be open for readers’ questions about each issue’s topic. If you’d like clarification or further reading on what we discuss, please drop your comments here or reach out to Pmssn National on LinkedIn [Click:https://www.linkedin.com/company/pmssnnational/ to redirect to the LinkedIn page]
Wa-Allahu waliyyu t-tawfiq. Jazakumullahu khayran for reading. May Allah bless our efforts and make this publication beneficial to the Ummah and the pharmacy profession. Barakallahu fikum. Aameeen.
Written by: Yusuf Rashidat Onyinoyi [Asst. EIC, PMSSN NATIONAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE, UNILORIN]
Edited by: Adediji Naheemah Abidemi [EIC, PMSSN NATIONAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE, UNILORIN]
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