This week I was attending a course for SHOs (senior house officers) on ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support). I could not believe doctors had to pay over £500 for this three day course; however I got in free for my Consultant was the course director.As I sat observing lecture upon lecture given by specialists and Consultants in A&E from hospitals all over London my sight was caught by a young, large, bald individual with a “fist’s length” beard. I thought to myself, “who is he?”Lecture entitled “Gastrointestinal Trauma and its management” was next, and yes the individual described above stood at the podium and introduced himself. He is a Consultant in A&E Medicine. Without mentioning his name it was obvious he was a Muslim.Ok, Al”“Hamdulillah, another brother has made it in the medical field. After a practical demonstration of a primary survey of a trauma patient it was lunch time. My medical buddy and I thought “ok where shall we pray Zuhr?” Suddenly, it occurred to me why not as the consultant brother where is he going to pray.
“Assalaamualikum Brother, where are you going to pray?”, asked my medic buddy.
“Right over here, any other brothers around?”, replied the consultant.
It was the first time where I felt at the same level and had a sense of ease with a consultant. I thought, now since this brother is here he can sort us out with ‘Asr and Maghrib during this intensive ATLS Course as oppose to myself hiding and secretively praying somewhere quickly.
As the day continued another SHO joined us for Salah. We started having a bigger congregation each time we prayed Salah. The sense of brotherhood and unity was evident.
It was really good to witness the brothers coming out of their shell and being confident about their Salah. One of the SHOs who is originally from Kosovo mentioned he found this very inspirational especially when working as a doctor in some random DGH (District General Hospital), where there is no reminder of Islam.
It was good to know that through this exercise at least the resolve of one brother increased. I make du’a that he passes the same resolve to another one who is not confident of his Deen.
By time, verily man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds and recommend one another to the TRUTH!
January 20th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
Sharp contrast to my lone prayers in the grimey hospital quiet room with my labcoat on the floor
Alhamdulillah it’s nice to hear of Muslim medics conscious of their duties not just with their patients but with their Lord. May He SWT continue to give you all sucess Ameen.
- TSO
January 21st, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Kewl, I used to get a lil’ freaked when I would see bearded (Moslem) doc’s. But seen and chatted to a fair few now, sad that I had to allay irrational fears, when some of them are the nicest guys I know.
January 22nd, 2006 at 11:41 am
As-Salaamu ‘alaikum
I have a friend who has been a junior doctor in Kent, and he told me that at his hospital there is some kind of “social” meeting every Friday lunchtime which is “not compulsory, but very advantageous” to attend, and it has been held at the same time for decades and clashes with jumu’ah, making it impossible for the Muslim doctors to attend.
January 24th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
Reminds me of praying underneath the stairs. Always look for the fire exits , usually quiet (just don’t block them).
January 25th, 2006 at 11:15 pm
I bet my bottom dollar that you met my mate Dr Imran - he’s the only practising A and E Consultant I know and joined me in Pakistan recently for the Earthquake relief programme.
Then again I could be wrong.
But I doubt it.
January 26th, 2006 at 1:32 am
Anonymous I am absolutely gobsmacked!
Enlighten me, how did you know?