Imam Samudra (1), Taufikur Rahman (2), Lisa Narulita (3)
General Background: Advances in medical science and pharmaceutical technology have expanded the use of contemporary treatment in healthcare systems. Specific Background: Within Muslim communities, medication use requires consideration of clinical benefits alongside Islamic ethical, legal, and moral principles, including halal status and patient safety. Knowledge Gap: Public understanding of health jurisprudence remains varied, while integrated academic discussions connecting Islamic legal principles, medical ethics, and contemporary medication practices are still limited. Aims: This study aimed to examine the concepts, principles, and health jurisprudence perspectives governing contemporary medication use through Islamic sources and relevant scientific literature. Results: The literature synthesis indicates that contemporary treatment is acceptable when its ingredients are halal, its therapeutic benefits are established, its use follows medical indications, and it does not create greater harm. The preservation of life, or ḥifẓ al-nafs, provides the principal legal foundation, while emergency concessions may apply when no halal alternative is available and qualified medical advice is considered. Novelty: The study combines health jurisprudence, Islamic medical ethics, pharmaceutical safety, halal considerations, and public treatment behavior within a unified interpretive framework. Implications: Integrating Islamic legal reasoning into healthcare practice can guide ethical medication selection, public education, professional decision-making, and the development of safe halal pharmaceutical services.
Highlights:
Keywords: Health Jurisprudence, Modern Medicine, Maqāṣid Al-Sharī‘ah, Islamic Health
Health as a basic human need is very important for survival and quality of life.[1] Islam views health as a gift from Allah SWT and a trust that needs to be protected and used in the best way. As evidenced by the Quran and the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islam provides guidance for the treatment and healing of diseases, and encourages its followers to maintain health through a clean and healthy lifestyle.[2] Along with the development of science and technology, the healthcare world has witnessed extraordinary advancements, especially in the fields of pharmacy and medicine. The use of modern drugs produced through scientific processes and advanced medical technology has become the primary choice in today's healthcare system.[3] Clinical trials support modern medicines, which are considered very effective and have measurable dosages. However, despite these benefits, various difficulties arise that require serious research, such as drug safety, side effects, dependency, and the potential for medicinal ingredients that conflict with halal (permissible) standards in Islam.[4]
The application of contemporary medicine in Muslim communities must be consistent with the principles of Islamic law, in addition to being viewed purely from a medical perspective. To bridge the gap between Islamic law and contemporary medicine, it is necessary to study health jurisprudence, or fiqh. By considering the naqli foundations (legal evidence), Islamic law, and the objectives of sharia (maqāṣid al-syarī‘ah), health jurisprudence provides a legal basis for a number of modern medical practices, including the use of contemporary medicine.[5]
Furthermore, the main basis for determining whether the use of modern medicine is permissible is maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, particularly the idea of the preservation of life (ḥifḍ al-nafs).[6] In essence, Islam allows the use of medicine as long as it is therapeutic, beneficial, and does not cause greater harm. In fact, in some circumstances, the use of drugs containing prohibited substances may be allowed in emergency situations. Nevertheless, the general public's understanding of these concepts is still varied and often lacks support from in-depth fiqh research.[7]
Based on the description, it is important to conduct a systematic study on the use of modern medicine from the perspective of health fiqh. This research aims to analyze the concepts, principles, and views of health fiqh regarding the use of modern medicine based on the study of scientific literature and Islamic sources. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide a more comprehensive understanding for the public and Muslim healthcare workers in using modern medicine safely, ethically, and in accordance with Islamic values.
This research uses a qualitative method with a library research approach.[8] Data were collected through a search and review of various relevant literature sources, including national journal articles, scientific books, as well as academic publications discussing the jurisprudence of health, Islamic medicine, and the use of modern drugs. Data analysis was conducted by grouping, comparing, and synthesizing the findings from the reviewed literature.[9] A descriptive-analytical approach is used to explain the concepts, principles, and health fiqh views on the use of modern medicine. The analysis results are then compiled systematically to obtain conclusions that are comprehensive and relevant to the research objectives.
Some literature asserts that Islamic medicine and contemporary medicine are complementary, not antagonistic. Healing techniques taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), such as the use of honey, black seed (habbatussauda), and hijamah (visiting the spirits of the dead), have health benefits that are increasingly being scientifically proven in contemporary research, according to studies on the Prophetic Method (Tibb al-Nabawi).[10] Through a holistic approach that considers the spiritual and physical needs of patients, this integration is considered capable of improving healthcare standards. Furthermore, research on the combination of spiritual and medical values shows that Islamic teachings support the ideals of comprehensive health. Maintaining good health requires worship, living a clean lifestyle, and consuming halal and thayyib food and medicine.[11] Therefore, Islam allows the use of modern medicine as long as it does not violate the principles of Sharia and spiritual values.
Health jurisprudence provides a normative framework for evaluating the use of contemporary medicine. Islamic health encompasses mental, spiritual, and physical aspects, according to literature on contemporary health and medicine.[12] As a result, contemporary medicine must consider both its medical efficacy and its Islamic legal and ethical implications. The main basis for assessing whether contemporary medicine is acceptable is the concept of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, particularly ḥifḍ al-nafs (preservation of life). The use of medicine can be acceptable as long as it is intended for therapeutic purposes, has clear benefits, and does not cause greater harm. The principle of "lā Ḥarar wa lā Ḥirār" in Islamic jurisprudence also emphasizes that medical procedures should not cause harm to the patient or others.[13]
One of the main topics of discussion in health jurisprudence is the permissibility of medicines. Several studies that examine the Quran and Hadith regarding treatment emphasize the importance of ensuring that the medicines consumed do not contain prohibited substances.[14] However, Islam allows tolerance in emergency situations and when there is no halal alternative, while still taking into account advice from qualified medical personnel. Many natural ingredients provide health benefits and have the potential to be transformed into contemporary, halal, and safe medicines, according to studies on herbal medicine preparation based on the Quran and Hadith. This creates opportunities for the growth of the halal pharmaceutical sector in line with public health requirements and Islamic principles.
According to research on public preferences, many elements, including sources of information, economy, socio-cultural influences, and beliefs, affect public judgment on whether to use modern or traditional medicine. Strong public belief in traditional medicine is shown by almost equal preferences between modern and traditional medicine. In this case, health jurisprudence is very important to inform and educate the public about the use of safe, efficient, and Sharia-compliant medicines. It is expected that education based on Islamic values will improve public health literacy and encourage the wise and appropriate use of contemporary medicines.[15]
Current concerns about the use of drugs without medical supervision, such as taking diet pills without a prescription, are also discussed in several publications. This behavior is considered unacceptable from the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (the fundamental objectives of Islamic law) because it contradicts the goal of preserving life and has the potential to cause harm. Therefore, monitoring, education, and regulation by health professionals play an important role in limiting the use of contemporary drugs in society. Overall, literature review results indicate that health fiqh plays a strategic role in bridging modern medicine use with Islamic values. The integration of medical knowledge, medical ethics, and Sharia principles is expected to create a health service system that is holistic, safe, and just.[16]
It is recommended that Muslim healthcare professionals understand and integrate health fiqh into daily medical practice. In addition, continuous education for the public regarding the use of modern medicine in accordance with Islamic values is necessary. Future research is expected to empirically examine the implementation of health fiqh in modern healthcare services. The use of modern medicine from the perspective of health fiqh is basically permissible in Islam provided it meets the requirements of Sharia, such as the halal status of the ingredients, medical benefits, and not causing greater harm. The principle of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, particularly ḥifẓ al-nafs, serves as the primary basis in determining the ruling on the use of modern medicine.
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