Reappraising the Value of Rufaidah Al-Aslamia, first Muslim nurse and pioneer of Islamic nursing, in the context of modern professional nursing, reflexiveness, self-leadership, and women empowerment

Abstract

Rufaidah Al-Aslamia, who was born around 597AD and is recognized as the first female Muslim nurse, established the foundations for nursing in Islam from the year 620AD onwards during the time of Prophet Mohammed (Peace and Blessings Upon Him). Authentic hadith by Bukhari and Muslim confirm Rufaidah as providing a location for injured Muslim soldiers, and that the Prophet visited some of the wounded patients twice daily at her location. A recent historical qualitative research study on Rufaidah Al-Aslamia reported caring activities from the perspectives of the nurse, patient, and system. Arising from this study, five emerging themes were identified, namely efficient organizer, effective communication, clinical practice teacher, community care, and spiritual care. This review uses these primary historical qualitative research findings, incorporates the Islamic humanistic perspective, and synthesizes the contemporary nursing literature to reappraise the value of these emerging historical themes within the context of a modern professional nursing framework. The latter includes the themes of person-centered nursing, people-centered primary healthcare, preceptorships and clinical education, nursing leadership and organizing, cultural and religious competence, and code of ethics. Parallel important aspects evaluated include how Rufaidah’s contributions reflect reflexivity, self-leadership, and women empowerment. It is asserted that such historical nursing themes are relevant to contemporary professional nursing practice, enrich the values and philosophy of Muslim nursing, and advance culturally and spiritually congruent care provided by non-Muslim nurses to Muslim patients. Evidence shows positive patient and system outcomes ensue through better historically informed communication, leadership, preceptorship, community outreach, and spiritual care. The contention is that Rufaidah Al-Aslamia’s tradition-rooted practice is thus connected to present-day international standards of the Joint Commission International and Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions. The analysis supports reciprocal exchange between Islamic humanism and contemporary nursing practices to enhance person-centered frameworks and provide equitable, dignified care for the Muslim patient population.