The Muamalat Newsletter Vol. 2 2023

57 FEM eNewsletter | Dec 2023 pursuit of business excellence. Now, let shine a spotlight on Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC @IIUM), established in August 2016 (Al-Azmi et al., 2022), as a shining example of how this medical haven has seamlessly blended modern medical expertise with a commitment to Shariah compliance, making it a beacon of quality healthcare grounded in Islamic principles. Imagine walking into the serene halls of SASMEC @IIUM where the air is filled not only with the scent of antiseptic but also with an ambiance that reflects the core values of Shariah- based quality management. This hospital, a pioneer in its approach, proudly bears the dual certification of ISO 9001:2015 and MS 1900:2014 in December 2020 (Al-Azmi et al., 2022). The certification isn’t just a plaque on the wall; it’s a commitment to integrating Shariah principles into every facet of healthcare management. At SASMEC@IIUM, the Shariah Advisory Committee (SAC) plays a crucial role in ensuring that every decision aligns with Islamic values. The SAC members include the SASMEC @IIUM Hospital Director, an IIUM internal expert, a representative of Jabatan Mufti Negeri Pahang, local and external experts, and a Shariah Officer from the Department of Shariah Compliance (Al-Azmi et al., 2022). The presence of a dedicated Shariah officer (ShO) ensures that the intricate details of Shariah compliance are woven into the fabric of daily operations. IIUM has appointed a ShO to fulfil these responsibilities, including ensuring Shariah compliance within SASMEC @IIUM, monitoring department /unit/ ward/ clinic (DUWC) activities, and assisting top management in aligning services, products, procedures, and policies with Shariah principles (Al-Azmi et al., 2022). The SASMEC @IIUM core values (CV), known as RESTU (Responsibility, Excellence, Sincerity, Trust, and Unity), were chosen and endorsed to provide a common ground for employees to work together and achieve the organization’s missions and goals. The heartbeat of this Shariah-compliant hospital lies in its organization CV, principles that guide not only medical practices but also interactions with patients, the environment, and religious observance. SASMEC @IIUM isn’t just about providing medical services; it’s about creating an environment where faith and healing harmonize. A hospital where Shariah Critical Control Points (SCCP) are diligently identified and monitored, ensuring that every aspect of healthcare delivery adheres to halal principles. According to Al-Azmi et al. (2022), a rubric for SCCP, based onMaqasid Shariah, was endorsed by the Hospital Management Committee and is used to guide staff in formulating their own SCCP at their respective DUWC. From medications to dietary offerings, every element is scrutinized through the lens of Shariah compliance, fostering not only effective governance but also the trust and confidence of Muslim consumers and stakeholders. As you step into SASMEC @IIUM, you’re not just entering a hospital; you’re entering a space where healthcare transcends the physical to embrace the spiritual. The dual certification serves as a beacon, guiding the way towards a future where Shariah-compliant healthcare isn’t just a trend but a standard of excellence, enriching the experiences of patients and setting a new paradigm for the healthcare industry. Navigating Challenges The path to a Shariah-compliant healthcare world is not without its share of challenges. As we delve deeper into this transformative journey, it becomes evident that the integration of Islamic principles into healthcare operations is akin to navigating uncharted terrain. One of the primary challenges lies in the need for a dual expertise – a delicate balance between medical proficiency and a profound understanding of Islamic principles. Like a symphony conductor orchestrating a complex