My community and Covid-19 pandemic

The world today faces a nearly unprecedented situation, with widespread fear in the face of the story coronavirus which first appeared in China and has since spread to other countries.

The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency. Therefore, as Muslims, it is our duty to learn how we can respond to this crisis from a genuine Islamic perspective.

Islam is a religion that celebrates health of body, mind and soul. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us to pray to Allah to bless us with health and grace; and also said that whoever is blessed with health and grace possesses the best things ever. Islam teaches us that our bodies are a trust; it is our duty to preserve them. The Islamic way of life stresses good hygiene & taking care of our bodies, minds and souls by developing good habits.

The Quran tells us that in so far as Allah has forbidden certain things, He has done so because they are harmful for us and our community.

Allah sent His messenger to permit us to take things that are pure and healthy, and prohibit us from things that are impure and distasteful.

Covid-19 is finally here as a test = Allah the Almighty says; “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient”. (Q: 2-155)

How To Protect Yourself From Deadly CoronaVirus

It is important to stay away from that which is forbidden, to help protect ourselves from diseases and don’t get caught up in activities that are harmful to society and the environment.

In addition to the above, excellent Islamic teachings related to purification, including washing rear regions after answering the call of nature, regular major and minor ablutions, washing hands, cleansing the mouth, teeth and nostrils, are all part of the Prophetic Sunnah. Adhering to these teachings can protect us from bacterial infections. (The wisdom taught by the Prophet of Islam is called Sunnah).

Furthermore, the Prophet also stressed prevention and seeking beneficial treatment through medicine and spiritual healing.

Here are some tips from the teachings of the Prophet to help us face the threat of the novel “coronavirus” and other contagious diseases – tips that can help us respond to such tests in a genuinely Islamic way.

Islam stresses leading a life of balance and moderation – focusing on daily habits to enhance physical, mental and spiritual fitness.

Besides the rules of hygiene mentioned earlier, prevention includes removal our body, clothes and surroundings off all sources of filth and pollution.

The Prophet always commanded keeping water sources and air free from pollution. Once a delegation that embraced Islam asked him about a summer resort they frequent, saying that they fall ill when they go there. The Prophet advised them to stay away from that place. While commenting on this story, some scholars stated that he said so because the environment there had been polluted and was not conducive to human health.

Quarantine or Self Isolation

Quarantine or isolating those infected with contagious diseases is another important Prophetic Teachings. The Prophet said, “Those with contagious diseases should be kept away from those who are healthy.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and others.)

The above rule applies to those who are suffering from diseases which may spread through physical contact, and even those whose symptoms may be disruptive or offensive to others. People infected with viruses, or with flu-like symptoms, should stay at home instead of attending congregational prayers or social gatherings.

Equally important is seeking beneficial methods of treatment. The Prophet taught us to seek treatment from physicians. Aisha, his beloved wife, tells us that the Prophet would consult physicians who visited him and she would retain the prescriptions she heard them prescribing.

Once while visiting Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas who was sick, the Prophet advised him to consult Al-Harith b. Kildah, the famous physician of Arabia. Sa`ad did so and was cured after taking the medicine prescribed by Al-Harith. (Reported by Abu Dawud)

The Prophet said, “When Allah sends down diseases, He also sends down cures for them.” (Reported by Bukhari).

He also said, “Seek treatment for Allah has sent down a cure for every illness save one: old age.” (Reported by Ibn Abd al-Barr and others)

Seeking treatment from experts is very important, rather than relying on quacks or charlatans disguised as spiritual healers. By saying this, I am not in any way implying that we should not use genuine spiritual methods of healing prescribed by the Prophet. Those methods should be followed by everyone, but are not meant to replace professional treatment by trained physicians. Allah knows best.

No Stigmatization

One of the sad results of this pandemic is racism and stigmatization targeting a specific group. There is no room for this in Islam. A Muslim must believe in the common humanity of all people. Sa’di al-Shirazi, the Sufi poet, put it beautifully:

“The children of Adam are limbs of a whole

Having been created of one essence

When the calamity of time afflicts one limb

The other limbs cannot remain at rest.

If you have no sympathy for the troubles of others

You are not worthy to be called by the name of “man”.

(Sa’di al-Shirazi)

Our Health and Success is not but through The Creator.

Upon Him We have relied, and to Him We return.