Resolution No.(147)(12/2010) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies: "Ruling on the Commission which a Doctor Takes from Medical Centers"
Date: 17/8/1431 AH, corresponding to 29/7/2010 AD.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
During its seventh session held on the above given date, the Board reviewed the following question:
Is it permissible for a doctor to take a commission from a pharmacy, a lab or an x-ray center in return for directing patients to them? However, if they declined from paying him, he would direct the patients somewhere else.
After careful study and deliberation, the Board decided what follows:
Such an act is impermissible and belittles the medical profession-which has been originally established to serve humanity- for the following:
First: It deceives the patient into believing that a certain lab or x-ray center is the best and this is forbidden. Allah Says in this regard (which means): "O ye who believe! Fear God and be with those who are true (in word and deed). {At-Tawbah/119}.
Second: It involves eating up people`s money unjustly because the doctor takes money for nothing and burdens the patient with extra expenses in addition to the already expensive treatment and medications. Allah, The Almighty, has forbidden eating up people`s money unjustly. He says{which means}, "O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily God hath been to you Most Merciful!"{At-Tawbah/119}.
Third: It corrupts the doctor`s credibility and turns him into a materialistic person, who aggravates the suffering of patients instead of comforting them and relieving their pain.
Fourth: It violates the ethics of the medical profession. However, if the patient sought the advice of the doctor as regards a suitable lab or x-ray center, then the latter should be sincere to him because an advice is a trust. This is indicated by the Hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) said: "The deen (religion) is naseehah (advice, sincerity).” We said: “To whom?” He (PBUH) said: “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” [Muslim]
Therefore, it is imperative that doctors avoid such suspicious matters and give advice to their patients seeking the reward from Allah, The Almighty. And Allah Knows Best.
Head of the Iftaa` Board, The Grand Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Grace Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh
Vice Head of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Dr. Yahia Al-Botoosh/ Member
His Eminence, Sheikh Sa`ied Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Essa
Judge Sarrie Attieh
Dr. Abdulrahman Ibbdah/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Oklah/ Member
Dr. Abduln`nassir Abu Al Bass`al/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Gharaibeh/ Member
Executive Secretary of the Iftaa` board, Dr. Ahmad Al-has`sanat