Islamic Spirituality as a Dimension of Holistic Health Care: Implications for Physicians’ Clinical Competence

Abstract

The growing recognition of holistic health care has brought spirituality into contemporary clinical discourse, particularly in societies where religious values shape patients’ health perceptions and coping mechanisms. This literature review examines how Islamic spirituality functions as a dimension of holistic health care and explores its implications for doctors’ clinical competence. The central problem addressed concerns the persistent gap between biomedical practice and patients’ spiritual needs, which may affect clinical communication, ethical decision-making, and quality of care. Using a narrative literature review approach, this study analyzes peer-reviewed articles, books, and empirical studies published in reputable international and national journals that discuss spirituality, Islamic values, and clinical practice. The findings indicate that integrating Islamic spirituality into health care contributes to enhanced patient-centered communication, ethical sensitivity, empathy, and clinical judgment, thereby strengthening doctors' clinical competence beyond technical skills alone. The review also reveals that spiritual awareness supports holistic diagnosis and treatment, particularly in end-of-life care, chronic illness management, and mental health services. This article argues that Islamic spirituality should be understood as a complementary clinical dimension that enriches holistic health care and reinforces professional competence without undermining scientific medical standards.