Ramadan Notes #4: The Unmatched Day

As-salamu’alaykum,

Thousands of 4th year U.S. medical students and international medical graduates (IMGs) found out where they matched for residency earlier today in a multi-decade old tradition that dates back to the 1950s in what is famously known as Match Day which happens every third Friday of March each year.  

The outcome of Match Day is one of the most consequential in the career trajectory of U.S. trained physicians.  

The match to a residency program directly translates to location of training which often impacts long-term practice location, professional network, research and academic inclination versus community/private practice focus as some of the more tangible outcomes on one hand, while at the same time affects less palpable variables like lifestyles choices, resilience, and work-life integration in a way that impacts professional and personal satisfaction, risk for burnout and ultimately practice lifespan. 

As I was thinking about the life-altering implications of Match Day and its recurrence on a Friday every year, it hit me that there’s an even more consequential day for muslim U.S. medical students and physicians; the Day of Judgement which is reported to be on a Friday and is truly an unmatched day in all respects!

This connection is thought-provoking to say the least. The emotions experienced on Match Day vary widely from excitement and relief on one end of the spectrum to disappointment, stress and in some cases - uncertainty. 

The Day of Judgement is also known as the Day of Regret meaning that it is also emotion-laden with regret being a common thread regardless of the direction of judgment; those who are successful as defined by Allah SWT (May Allah SWT make us from among them. Amin) - who make it to Jannah will wish for a higher status and regret the moments of heedlessness and those who are not successful will regret their actions.

The outcome of this unmatched day, however, carries eternal implications - Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hellfire) for eternity. Allah SWT reminds us about this;

Surah Al-Furqan v27: And ˹beware of˺ the Day the wrongdoer will bite his nails ˹in regret˺ and say, “Oh! I wish I had followed the Way along with the Messenger!

The month of Ramadan presents an annual opportunity to renew our intentions for joining the ranks of healthcare workers across the globe to serve humanity in this unique capacity. It is also a time to elevate this service to the status of Ihsan (excellence) where our work and related sacrifices are done purely for the sake of Allah SWT - not the financial gains, prestige or even self actualization.

Congratulations to all of our newly matched colleagues out there! As you celebrate, please take a moment to pause and reflect on your intentions for serving mankind at the bedside and make it count on your scales of good deeds on the unmatched day. 

May Allah SWT, Al-Shafi (the healer) continue to use us to alleviate the pain and suffering of all those in our care this blessed month and beyond. Amin

Sincerely,

Sulyman

P.S. Join like-hearted #HealthCareWorkers on zoom for weekly Ramadan Check-ins at 4.15pm CST/5.15pm EST/10.15pm WAT . Register and join with this link.

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