Prescriptions with Purpose: How pharmacy becomes a Path to Jannah
Bismillahi Rahmani-Raheem
The common perception of a pharmacist by people is often limited to counting drugs, compounding medications, and giving basic instructions to patients. But in reality, the pharmacist's job goes beyond the counter and each act associated with the safety of patients will be accounted for on the day of judgement.
The noble profession when practiced with sincerity is a profound act of worship which pushes us closer to Jannah. This act is very pleasing to the Almighty Allah. Meanwhile, if this same profession is practiced with another intention other than the ones accepted in Islam, the outcome will be a very unrewarding one.
This means being a pharmacist can earn us divine rewards when we focus on the Islamic principles.
Allah stated in the Qur'an:
“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.” (Al-Hajj 22:27)
In Islam, the values and the rewards of an act are determined by the intention behind it. It is the inner purpose to perform an act for the sake of Allah. This educates us about viewing the pharmacist role even as little as dispensing a pill as an act of worship.
One of the Prophet's (ﷺ) Hadith states:
“Verily, deeds are only by intentions, and every person will have (judged by) only what they intended.” This means that even a small act can have immense spiritual reward if done with a sincere and pure intention to please Allah. Whereas, a great deed performed to show off to people (riya') may have no value in the sight of God (S.W.T)
In pharmacy practice, Niyyah transforms daily activities of pharmacists into acts of worship. For example:
- Dispensing a medication with the intention of reducing a patient's pain.
- Counselling a patient with the intention of improving their wellbeing and not showing off one's scientific knowledge.
- Performing research with the intention of discovering cures to diseases not the monetary benefits or recognition attached.
The Almighty Allah (S.W.T) also said in the Glorious Qur'an:
“Indeed, Allāh orders justice and good conduct and giving help [to] relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded. (An-Nahl 16:90)”
The concept of Ihsan which means excellence or doing good is a core principle in Islam that relates to the practice of pharmacy. Good pharmacy practice is not just about following the professional standards, it also involves performing every task with the highest degree of quality and sincerity. A pharmacist must continually seek knowledge of the deen and professional development to understand the best practice guidelines by Islam and the professional bodies guiding the profession.
Ihsan compels pharmacists to be knowledgeable about the sources of medications and ensure they are halal, pure and healthy. A pharmacist motivated by Ihsan performs their duties with the primary aim of serving Allah and humanity, not merely for financial gain or recognition. This sincerity fuels dedication even when no one is watching.
Ihsan should push we pharmacists to go the extra mile in ensuring the good health of patients. It makes us see every patient as an opportunity to do good or serve Allah (S.W.T). Also, it should ensure that pharmacists keep to the oath of confidentiality and also avoid discrimination among patients.
In conclusion, a pharmacist’s work guided by the principles of Niyyah and Ihsan is a means of earning divine reward. By dedicating the skills to the service of patients and recognizing the value of healing, they align their professional life with spiritual purpose. The profession of pharmacy, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that any righteous act, no matter how little, can be a source of immense blessing when performed with a pure intention and a commitment to excellence.
The Almighty Allah said in the Glorious Qur'an: “Is the reward for goodness anything but goodness?” (Ar-Rahman 55:60)
May Almighty Allah continue to guide us towards the right path. Aameen.
By: Mohammed Abdulrahman
(Member, at-tibb Writers Team)
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