The College of Nursing at Qatar University (QU) organized a seminar on the role of nursing in Islam, presented by Ms. Mariam Nooh Al-Mutawa, Head of Nursing Administration in the Nursing and Midwifery Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The seminar was attended by faculty members, staff, students from the college, and several officials from Hamad Medical Corporation.
During the seminar, Ms. Mariam Nooh Al-Mutawa presented an introductory video about Rufaida Al-Aslamia, widely acknowledged as the first female Muslim nurse and the first woman surgeon in Islamic history. The video explained that she was born into the Bani Aslem tribe in Madinah, which is why she was called “Al-Aslamia." She started her medical journey under the guidance of her father, Saad Al-Aslami, a skilled physician, from whom she gained extensive medical knowledge. Her passion for medical practice and nursing led her to establish ethical guidelines and regulations for the profession. She also introduced new nursing techniques that form the foundation of modern nursing practices.
Ms. Al-Mutawa highlighted the core values in Islam that every healthcare and nursing professional should uphold, including justice, compassion, sincerity, comprehensive care, ethics, empathy, respect for human dignity, and spirituality.
She also addressed the challenges that nursing faces within the context of Islam, explaining that Islam encourages healthcare for all while maintaining modesty and professionalism in mixed-gender interactions. Nurses are required to adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring that treatments align with Islamic principles, such as avoiding prohibited substances unless necessary. Furthermore, she emphasized that Islam underscores the importance of caring for patients with chronic illnesses with dignity and providing them with spiritual support.
Ms. Al-Mutawa reaffirmed the significant role that nurses play in the healthcare system, stating that nursing is an essential component of the health sector. Nurses contribute to disease prevention, treatment, follow-up care, and healthcare services at various stages of life. The nursing sector plays a crucial role in advancing the health of the nation and improving healthcare standards.
Notably, the seminar featured several interactive competitions, including the “Answer and Win" contest, where students were asked questions about nursing in Islam and the nursing profession in Qatar.