What Islam Tells Us About Diseases

By Shehzad Sultan, Director of Outreach

Today, the world is very different than it was a year ago. It is different than it was during the last pandemic. It is different from what we imagined it would be like a year ago. However, the one thing that will never be different is the Quran and the teachings of Islam. So what does Islam say about diseases such as COVID-19 and what is the right thing to do in times like this?

One of the first things that Islam mentions, which we are implementing today, is to quarantine and isolate ourselves to protect us and the people around us. If people were to continue business as usual, not only would it be unwise, but it would also be a fatal decision that would take the lives of many people. Secondly, Islam talks about traveling during a pandemic. To understand this we must first understand the meaning of pandemic. A pandemic is a disease that affects an entire country or around the world. For a pandemic to occur, people with the disease must have traveled from infected areas to non-infected areas, hence infecting areas with the virus and spreading the disease. In a hadith, it tells us with extreme clarity that we should not go to an infected area nor should we leave it if we are already there. “If you hear that there is a plague in a land do not enter it; and if it (plague) visits a land while you are therein, do not go out of it” (Bukhari 76:43). Finally, Allah (SWT) assures us that every disease, whatever it may be, has a cure. So, the people should not give up hope easily and continue to quarantine while placing trust in those that are working day and night to solve the problem.

In conclusion, in these unprecedented times, we should all stay safe and stay at home quarantined. We would not want to spread the virus unknowingly to family members, friends, or even strangers you pass by. We ask Allah (SWT) to protect everyone from this virus and to keep us safe. We ask Allah (SWT) to help us find a cure soon and to keep everyone on the right path despite any obstacles they might face due to COVID-19. May Allah (SWT) give a speedy recovery to those afflicted and ease the pains and burdens of those who are facing difficulties. May Allah (SWT) give us all the guidance to stay patient with and steadfast to our deen during this time.

Sources

“What Islam Says About Contagious Diseases (COVID-19).” Quran,

www.quranexplorer.com/blog/Education-In-The-Light-Of-Sunnah-And-

Qura'an/What_Islam_Says_About_Contagious_Diseases_(COVID-19).