What is the ruling on a Muslim remaining in Western countries for the sake of material gain and specialization? And does that affect his religion and worship? And how can one reconcile seeking religious knowledge and worldly work?
Working in medicine, if one intends to benefit people and show them mercy, is considered a transitive act of worship for which a person is rewarded, and it is better than individual supererogatory worship. Among the religious texts that confirm this meaning are the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) sayings: "Those who broke their fast today have taken the reward," and "Whoever relieves a believer of a worldly distress, Allah will relieve him of a distress on the Day of Resurrection," and "The most beloved people to Allah are those most beneficial to people, and the most beloved deeds to Allah are bringing joy to a Muslim."
The Muslim physician should strive to perfect his art and be innovative in it, remembering the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) : "Allah has not sent down a disease except that He has sent down its cure," which encourages him to research and discover cures for incurable diseases. Ibn al-Qayyim states that this hadith is "a strengthening for the soul of the patient and the physician, and an encouragement to seek that cure and search for it."
It is recommended to organize time, maintain supererogatory acts of worship (nawafil), read the Quran and some books during free time, for a sincere intention blesses time, lifespan, knowledge, and work.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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