Maximising Care: Exploring the Synergy of Islamic Legal Maxims in Nursing Practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/ijcs.v8i1.420Keywords:
Islamic legal maxims, Nursing ethics, Harm prevention, Culturally sensitive care, Islamic healthcare practicesAbstract
Background: In the face of numerous challenges in nursing practice, effective decision-making tools are paramount. This research delves into the dynamic intersection of Islamic legal maxims and nursing, recognising nurses’ multifaceted challenges daily. Purpose: The study explores using Qawaid al-Fiqhiyyah principles as a decision-making tool in nursing. It aims to provide nurses with a valuable framework that aligns with their professional values.
Methods: This study was conducted between June and October 2023 at the International Islamic University Malaysia library. It employs a document analysis design by utilising library search to analyse the interaction between Islamic legal maxims and nursing systematically. The research involves an extensive literature review of journal articles, fiqh books, and nursing texts to explore the benefits and challenges of integrating Islamic legal maxims into nursing practice. Thematic analysis was used to identify key principles and their practical applications within nursing settings.
Results: According to the study, integrating Islamic legal maxims into nursing practice can enhance patient autonomy, uphold justice, and improve beneficence. While the principle of ‘harm must be eliminated’ (al-?arar yuz?l) is crucial, other maxims such as ‘necessities render prohibitions permissible’ (al-?ar?r?t tub?? al-ma???r?t), ‘hardship begets facility’ (al-mashaqqah tajlib al-tays?r), and ‘certainty is not overruled by doubt’ (al-yaq?n l? yaz?l bi al-shakk) also provide valuable ethical guidance for nursing professionals. These maxims support culturally sensitive and ethically driven nursing care, ensuring that decision-making aligns with Islamic ethical principles and patient needs. The study’s findings highlight the significance of applying these legal maxims holistically in nursing practice, reinforcing their role in shaping patient-centred, morally grounded, and Shariah-compliant healthcare.
Conclusion: The research has important implications for healthcare ethics and opens a new horizon by highlighting the importance of Islamic legal maxims in nursing practice. Nurses can advocate for compassion and integrity by adopting this innovative approach.
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