Hand washing and the Islamic Medical Association
Dear Editor:
We were dismayed to read the article in the Canada Free Press on February 4, 2008 entitled “Hand washing and the Islamic Medical Association”.
The Islamic Medical Association Medical of North America, which we represent, is independent of and is not affiliated with the Islamic Medical Association in the United Kingdom. As Muslims and as physicians, we fully agree with the stringent rules, including cleansing the arms of physicians in preparation for surgery, as mandated by the medical establishment, in practicing medicine. These rules are time tested, and are necessary for the protection of patients and health care providers alike. The washing of the arms by physicians and nurses prior to surgery prevent the spread of diseases and promote health – some of the most basic elements of Islam. It is our strong conviction that the practice of medicine in the United States of America and the United Kingdom does not contradict the teachings of Islam.
Under no circumstance do we believe that regulations in the west should be circumvented, and we disagree with the idea that religion prevents doctors and nurses from performing their duties according to mandated regulations and guidelines.
All medical students, doctors, nurses and other health care providers, including Muslims must abide by these regulations.
Please feel free to refer to us with any questions regarding this subject in the future. IMANA has represented thousands of physicians and healthcare professionals in the United States and Canada for the last 41 years.
Thank you,
Dr. Ashraf Sufi
President
Islamic Medical Association of North America
101 W. 22nd Street, Suite 106, Lombard , IL 60148
Phone: 630.932-0000 ~ Fax: 630.932-0005
Email: hq@imana.org ~ Website: www.imana.org
