#ResilientResidencyInsights 2 - "Bismillah" Your Way through the Residency Journey

As-salamu alaykum,

I met a surgical technician a couple of years ago who shared a profound story with me about an interventional cardiologist that he used to work with who would always say the words, “Bismillah” every single time he did a cardiac catheterization procedure.

My friend also shared that the cardiologist was very well regarded among staff and his patients. 

I honestly did not connect the dots at the time but I have since found immense value and meaning to the practice after engaging more content around this idea and learning from some of my mentors and  contemporary scholars about this simple practice with far reaching ramifications. 

Yesterday, I shared 3 self-reflective questions. 

The third question directs you to seek the connection between what you will be doing through residency (and most probably, for the rest of your practicing career) and your pursuit of Allah’s pleasure.

One sure way to do that is to remember Allah often during the course of your hectic days as you engage patients, colleagues, teachers, mentors and other healthcare workers.

Why choose “Bismillah” or “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem” in particular?

The scholars explain, as we can all appreciate from engaging the Qur’an, that Allah, the Most High, set this precedence by starting His most important matters - His communication with mankind through the Qur’an with His name as we note in all chapters of the Qur’an except Surah At-Tawbah which scholars explain is due it being considered a continuation of the preceding Surah, Al-Anfal.

The Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the hadith below admonished us about this;

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Every matter of importance that is not begun with the praise of Allah will be left deficient.” [Source: Sunan Ibn Majah 1894] Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Ibn Hajar

That the stakes are high regarding the journey that resident doctors (and other healthcare workers) embark on is important is an understatement. 

Some of your work will involve decisions and interventions that hang at the divide between life and death.

Without any shadow of doubt, the commitment to this path and the work involved would fall under the category of “matters of (great) importance” as described by Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the hadith above. 

Should we not then render our work this simple and yet profound divine supplement?

Consider these additional benefits of Basmalah - the act of pronouncing Bismillah;

1. You summon Allah’s (much needed) help by this simple proclamation.

2. You attract Barakah (Blessings) to your work in a way that allows you to achieve more with less.

3. You elevate the status of your work from a purely mundane undertaking to an act of worship

4. You clarify your intentions by taking a pause to begin your work with Allah’s name

5. You minimize the role of Shaytan in the mix of things and, in sha Allah, improve your holistic impact on all key players.

Friends and colleagues, I know for some, this may seem inconsequential that such a simple phrase can have so much impact but such is the matter of our Creator.

Leveraging divine insights such as this one does require a significant level of trust and reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) as much as it does some experimentation on our part to experience the beautiful impact on our work and our lives outside of work.

It’s no wonder that we are witnessing such remarkable strength and resilience among our colleagues in Gaza and the people as a whole. This is the type of reliance upon Allah that Hajar (May Allah have mercy on her) also demonstrated that gave her both the motivation to strive for Allah’s blessings through the Sa’ee as we referenced yesterday as well as the peace of mind that Allah will take care of her matters once He instructed Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to go forth and leave her behind with their young child.

Moreover, many studies in the post-COVID era with exploding burnout rates among healthcare workers have explored the link between spirituality and resilience of healthcare workers and I am yet to come across one with negative or even equivocal outcome in this regard.

As we spend these best 10 days of Dhul Hijjah seeking the countenance of Allah through His remembrance in the many different ways recommended by Prophet Muhammad PBUH as taught to us by our pious predecessors and contemporary scholars, it's important to keep in mind what remnants of these beautiful days you will carry along with you on your journey starting July 1, 2024 in sha’Allah. 

Remember Allah often during your residency days like our cardiology colleague and you will find resilience grounded in faith in your corner by the will of Allah.

May Allah, the Most High, bless you and us with the strength and resilience of the best of mankind, the likes of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Muhammad (PBUH) and enable us to benefit maximally from these blessed days. Amin. 

Sincerely,

Sulyman

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