The Healer’s Ethos: Reimagining Illness and Care through Prophetic Insights
Aasim Padela, MD, MSc, FACEP, Initiative on Islam and Medicine

Drawing on the conference theme of engaging “Prophetic voices” to reimagine medicine and the pursuit of healing creatively, this workshop explores statements of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) related to health, illness, and care. Through scriptural reasoning with selected ahādith, participants will attempt to systematically analyze, and reflect on, the theology and ontology of illness and healing. In addition, they will examine how these teachings shape the ethos and role of the healer, particularly the physician, and the physician-patient relationship. From this foundation, we will apply Prophetic insights to contemporary bioethical challenges such as refusal of clinical treatment options.   While Prophetic narrations are central to fiqh and thus to act-based moral reasoning, this workshop seeks a more holistic approach that considers how Prophetic guidance also informs agent- and outcome-based moralities. Designed as an interactive and reflective session, the workshop aims to inspire moral imagination rather than prescribe moral directives. This will be done through short didactics, group-based case analyses, and critical reflection.