Islamic preventive strategies against coronavirus (II)
In a famous tradition, the Prophet (s.a.w) is reported in Sahih Muslim (Book 26, Number 5495) to have warned Muslims that if they hear of the outbreak of an epidemic (al-Ta’un) in a country other than theirs, they should not travel into it; and if it occurs in a country where they are domiciled, they […]
In a famous tradition, the Prophet (s.a.w) is reported in Sahih Muslim (Book 26, Number 5495) to have warned Muslims that if they hear of the outbreak of an epidemic (al-Ta’un) in a country other than theirs, they should not travel into it; and if it occurs in a country where they are domiciled, they should not embark on a journey out of the said country.
This represents the very first principle in Islamic approach to disease containment. It is that which forbids inadvertent spread of diseases and ailments by potential carriers. It is a principle which conduces to the divine writ in Quran 5: 32 that rewards that shall be given for any act of benevolence that leads to preservation of human life shall be like that that would be due for any action that leads to the preservation of the entire human race and vice versa. It is probably in order to give effect to this principle that led the Saudis to suspend Umra activities till further notice. I would therefore argue that it is the ignorance of this timeless medical principle that led the Italian who brought the coronavirus to this country last week to have decided to travel out of Italy even in the knowledge that his country had already become another flashpoint for the epidemic.
The second principle and perhaps the most important is supplication against infectious diseases. There are numerous traditions of the Prophet in which he taught believers how to seek divine protection against calamitous occurrences on terrestrial earth. One of such and perhaps the most relevant in this instance is this- “Allahuma inni audhubika minal barasi, wal jununi wal-juzami wamin sayyihil Asqami- O Allah!, I seek refuge in thee from leprosy, madness, elephantiasis, and evil diseases”. This tradition, authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani, is recommended to believers during periods like this. It is advised that it should be repeated as many times as possible particularly after the five daily prayers.
An interesting dimension to the search for prevention of epidemics that has emerged is the campaign for hand-washing on regular basis especially after one has gone to the bathroom or the restroom. For Muslims, this recommendation is tantamount to taking coal to Newcastle. This is because a fundamental principle in Islam is cleanliness. The Almighty says: “Truly, God loves those who turn to Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222).
In other words, cleanliness is a precondition for closeness to the Almighty; it is ‘half of faith’ so says the Prophet. Muslims are therefore required to keep their body fresh and clean all of the time. The private parts are washed after using the toilet and Muslims must pay particular attention to being clean before praying.
The above provisions and many others abound in Islam simply because our religion places much emphasis on healthy living as a precondition for service to the Almighty. Ibn al-Qayyim says: “Health is one of the most precious favours the Almighty has bestowed upon His servants, the most generous of gifts, and the most plentiful of His bounties. Rather, even more, good health is the most precious of favours without exception, so it is fitting that whoever is granted a portion of this fortune that he cherishes it, preserves it and guards it against harm”. In other words, we are under obligation to seek means and ways by which we can preserve our lives, that of our family members and that everybody in our society. Imam al-Dhabee says: A Muslim must seek nearness to the Almighty, the Most High, by every means he is able to muster. He must exert himself in fulfilling the commands and the acts of obedience to the Almighty. And after the affair of fulfilling the commands and keeping away from the forbidden matters, the most beneficial means and most successful path of nearness to the Almighty for a person is to maintain good health and treat his illnesses. That is because good health is something that one seeks in the legislated supplications and acts of worship.”
Now after having taken all measures, when a Muslim dies during an outbreak of an epidemic, such a Muslim would be deemed a martyr. The Prophet says: The martyrs are of five different types: one who dies of plague, one who dies of diarrhea (or cholera), one who is drowned, one who is buried under debris and one who dies fighting in the way of the Almighty”. So whenever you read the Quran and comes to the Ayat which reads “…and none knows the forces of thy Lord, except He and this is no other than a warning to mankind (Quran 74: 31), supplicate to the Almighty that May His divine forces be marshaled at all times in my favour and yours; may we continue to enjoy His protection and security (aamin).