Epidemics in the Light of Quran and Hadith

The Muslim attitude regarding epidemics may be traced back to the earliest beginnings of Islam. These beliefs were founded on logic and reason, as well as Quranic and Prophetic injunctions. The outbreak was regarded as a divine decree rather than a punishment for sins committed by Allah’s servants. During epidemics, despondency was regarded as un-Islamic. Those who heroically faced such dangers (while taking all necessary safeguards) but perished were known as Martyrs.
During natural disasters, Muslims are reminded that many individuals have suffered and had their faith tested in the past. People nowadays will be put to the test in their lives as well. Allah likes people who display Patience (Arabic, Sabr) in the face of adversity and hardships, according to Muslims. Quran Says: “Do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the As Saabiroon (Those who keep patience).” (Quran 8:46).
In another Verse of Quran reward of Patience is described in these words: “Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit).” (Quran, 39:10).
It is in the light of Quranic observations that in one of the important Hadith, Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said; “Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience (Sabr).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari). Prophet also said: “As-Sabr (the patience) is illumination.” (Sahih Muslim).
For lethal epidemics, no specific medicine has been proposed. Strong suggestions were made, however, to keep a safe distance from epidemic areas and to ask individuals not to relocate away from epidemic areas. They were instructed to remain in their current location. As part of Azaan from Mosques, “staying at home” was permitted even in the event of an emergency.
Narrated Abdurrahman bin ‘Awe (R.A.), “I have heard Allah’s Messenger saying, ‘If you hear about it (an outbreak of plague) in a land, do not go to it; but if the plague breaks out in a country where you are staying, do not run away from it.” ( Al Bukhari)
Messenger of Allah (PBUH), said: “Do not cause harm or reciprocate harm. Whoever harms others, Allah will harm him. Whoever is harsh with others, Allah will be harsh with him.” (Al Hadith)
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Prayer for a Muslim: Oh Allah I beg for Good Health and Faith with Good Conduct.” (Al Bukhari)
Narrated by Jabir (R.A.), Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Every disease has a cure” (Sahih Muslim)
Alasalah” (Come for the prayer) at the end of the Azaan, on a rainy or a very cold night during the journey. (Al Bukhari, Book Call for Prayers)
Muslims believe that life and death are determined by the will of Allah. Muslims accept the suffering or even death as a form of test. Instead of complaining, he chooses to sincerely seek Allah’s forgiveness and turns to Allah in all of his affairs as the calamity could also serve as a warning from Allah for wrongdoings as highlighted in following verses:
“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (42:30)
The Caliph Umar’s (R.A.) measures reflected a balance approached and has set an important precedent for the following Muslims generations. He had indicated that the disease epidemic was a clear mafsadah which needed to be prevented through any permissible means. His balanced approach had set an example for other leaders to follow scientifically to the latest medical advancement when managing pandemics.
The Ottomans empire provided us many lessons with regards to the plague. Medicine was becoming more professionalized in the Ottoman Empire by the 16th century. The new generation of physicians began to practice evidence-based medicine using empirical evidence in treating the plague. They began to distinguish between the Black Death and other diseases that were also included under the term for plague. It resulted in greater emphasis on hygiene as stressed in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Muslims should maintain good thoughts about Allah and spread positivity in times of calamity. Despite the trial, Muslims should always be looking forward to His blessings and forgiveness.
“None of you should die without having good expectations in Allah”. (Muslim)
In another verse, Allah says:
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran,13: 28)
The following verse puts emphasis on our own response instead of judging others during times of calamities.
“That was a nation which has passed on. It will have [the consequence of] what it earned, and you will have what you have earned. And you will not be asked about what they used to do.” (Surah Baqarah, 2:134)
“And for all the effort that a believer puts in to deal with the test from Allah, He has promised a meaningful end. This is one of the basis for Muslims to always remain hopeful as recorded in the Quran, “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (Quran, 94:5)
In the event of an outbreak, authorities are required to take drastic actions; sometimes at the expense of other factors – such as economy or politics – in order to save lives. As pandemic threatens public health security, every Muslim has to comply to the advice from the experts. The success of curbing the transmission of a disease during pandemic largely depends on the adherence compliance to policies at both national and international levels. This is when a highly self-motivated and well-informed population is far more effective in implementing decisions by leaders than a policed and ignorant population.