In the Darkness of Coronavirus, This is How to Prevent it’s Spread.
Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him — it is those who will be successful. — Qur’an 7[Al-A’raf]:157
The world is facing an existential threat and most people don’t know it. The COVID 19 — Coronavirus has been declared as a global pandemic with more than 100 countries confirmed to be having infected patients. As I compile this piece, over 128,343 people have been confirmed having the virus with a reported death toll of 4,720. This tells you it’s a matter of great concern and we all have to strive in curtailing it’s spread. The piece isn’t intended to create fear nor panic. However, it will examine basic Islamic principles from the Sunnah of the blessed Prophet ﷺ in curbing the outspread of diseases.
Islam has a unique way of dealing with issues in our mundane life. This is why I often tell people that Islam provides a solution to your problem before it surfaces. One of the objectives of Shariah is the preservation of life. Hence, it’s imperative for everyone to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect themselves against any harm. Here are some traditional guidelines we find in the sunnah that are effective against the spread of this deadly virus.
- Purification through wudoo’: The essence of cleanliness cannot be overemphasized in Islam. And this is why the Noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Purification is half of faith.” Al- wudoo’ which means ablution is a pre-requisite for the validity of prayers. At least, a Muslim has to cleanse himself by performing wudoo’ five times a day. A relevant depiction comes from the fact that you start by washing each hand separately for three consecutive times. This then leads you to rinse the mouth, sniffing the nose with a blowout and washing the face as well. All these parts are effective in transmitting the virus. So medical experts advise washing the hands frequently and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
2. If afflicted, seek treatment: It’s very important to be cautious of the spread and also check one’s self. Do not be shy to ask for help and the good news is: over 68,324 people have been cured. So there’s hope! Wear a face mask, use hand sanitizers, cover your cough and sneezes, clean your hands often and avoid sharing personal items. As we all know, it is recommended to say Salaam and respond. However, at this time you don’t have to shake hands, hug nor kiss. It’s of high importance that you take these precautions seriously and if you notice any symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease namely old age.” — Abu Dawud
3. To quarantine is the sunnah: There’s a very beautiful story narrated by the great companion Abdullah ibn Abbas. It happened that there was a plague in Amwas during the caliphate of Umar ibn Khattab. So he was heading to Ash-Sham and on his way the news reached him of an epidemic outspread which Allah ahs afflicted the people with. Some companions asked him to march forward and others told him to return to Madinah. After making a consultation with the Muhajiroon and Ansar, he decided to return to Madinah. Abu Ubaidah then questioned him, are you running away from Allah’s decree? ‘Umar then said, “Would that someone else had said such a thing, O Abu ‘Ubaida! Yes, we are running from what Allah had ordained to what Allah has ordained. At that time ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf, was absent from the gathering. On his return, he then said, “I have some knowledge about this. I have heard Allah’s Messenger saying, ‘If you hear about an outbreak of the disease in a land, do not go into it; but if the plague breaks out in a country where you are staying, do not run away from it.’ Umar then thanked Allah Who guided him to the sunnah and returned to Medina.
This principle is simple and straight forward: stay home, avoid public gatherings and contact with others. You do not have to travel if it’s not of dire necessity. In fact, scholars have explained that even if it has to affect the congregational prayers, we may avert the masjid at this period to prevent the spread and pray at home. Several Masaajid in the North Texas area has canceled solatul juma’h for today. As well, the custodians of the sanctuary in Mecca have restricted pilgrimage service until further notice. I’ve never seen the Kaaba this free without people circumambulating it. All these measures are put in place to prevent it’s spread.
4. Remember this is a test from Allah: As Muslims, we are meant to submit to Allah’s will. Allah does as He wishes without anyone having the ability to question His Might. So this doesn’t call for laxity but preventive measures still have to be put in place. And if after all efforts, a Muslim is afflicted with the disease, then he should accept it as a test from Allah the Most-High and persevere with steadfastness in hope for a reward.
Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; it is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity reaches him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him. And if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” (Muslim)
5. Make dua’ fervently: The supplication is like a weapon for the believer, it protects and guides. So make it a habit to frequently ask Allah to protect you and your loved ones from this deadly Coronavirus and other infectious diseases. The Prophet ﷺ used to say: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, madness, elephantiasis, and evil diseases.” — Abu Dawud
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ visited any ailing member of his family, he would touch the sick person with his right hand and would supplicate:
O Allah! the Lord of mankind! Remove this disease and cure (him or her)! You are the Great Curer. There is no cure but through You, which leaves behind no disease.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
So in the end after putting all efforts, supplicate to Allah with firm convictions and believe Allah is able to protect us from this deadly disease. We ask Allah to safeguard us from all forms of illness and cure those who are afflicted already. May He grant us stability by making the world a safer place for all to live.
‘O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, make me healthy in my hearing. O Allah, make me healthy in my sight. There is no deity worthy of worship except You.’
PS: And Success comes only by the will of Allah! If you find this piece beneficial, it’s by His Grace. It’s no scholarly work and we accept our mistakes. Suggestions are welcomed in making this effort better as well. You are free to share by any means for enlightenment purposes. Kindly give a “click-clap” to enable other readers on Medium to see this post. We ask Allah to keep us guided and steadfast upon the right path. We hope you’d read from us again next time in sha Allah!
Yaumul Jumu’ah 18th Rajab 1441 AH / Friday 13th March 2020.
