Addressing Islamic input in medical imaging

Abstract

This thesis represents an effort by the author to overcome the dearth of Islamic discourses in Medical imaging, a sub-specialisation within the bigger field of Medicine. Driven by the concepts of Islamisation of Knowledge (IOK), integration of Islamic input in the professions, as well as his professional obligation as an academician in an Islamic university, the author posits himself to contribute towards the realisation of the above concepts and enriching the Islamic based literature. Efforts were made done to ascertain the state of affairs of the presence of Islamic perspectives in Medical imaging literature. The results showed a major void in Islamic perspectives in the literature. The term “perspective” and “perspectives” used in this thesis are seen within the definition of perspective; “a particular way of considering something”. The plural form does not suggest that Islam has differing opinions or views when confronted with a particular issue but represents the various sources and types of references. The essence of these individual perspectives remains embedded in Tauhidic (Oneness of Allah) principles and objectives. The thesis proposes a methodology in integrating Islamic perspectives into the theoretical domains within a typical Medical imaging curriculum. Existing knowledge from the predominantly secular environment that has dominated Medical imaging since its inception is not discriminately discarded unless those that is not in line with what Islam champions. Harmonisation and individual tailoring of the Islamic perspectives with the human sciences remain the core approaches in the integration process. The integration also identifies the teaching, learning and assessment considerations. The superficiality in the coverage over the wide dimensions in the discipline is seen within the context of future avenues for in-depth discourses to be made. Typically, the involvement of Muslim practitioners at all levels; the academicians, the practitioners, the leadership, the administration and the professional fraternity are required for promoting, internalising and sustaining Islamic perspectives in the discipline.