Epidemic Prevention

Epidemic Prevention

Hygiene is very important. Cleanliness prevents infection entering the citadel of the human body and guards us against ill health and epidemics. God ordered our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Sura Al-Muddathir, “O, Prophet keep your clothing clean and meticulously avoid filth and rubbish.”

Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “God the Almighty is Himself pure and likes purity, God Himself is clean and likes cleanliness.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi). “Allah Almighty dislikes filth, dirt and disheveled hair (upon a person).” “Avoid three things which are cursed. To urinate at the source of water, in the shade and in pathways.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah).

“No one should urinate in standing water.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood). “If any one of you yawns, cover your mouth with hands.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood).

One should avoid coughing, sneezing, yawning or laughing with fully open mouth near other persons as the bacteria which are breathed out may spread in the atmosphere and be conveyed to other persons.

These are just a few aspects of Islam’s medical/hygienic tradition which were expressed much before the present time. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in a famous saying, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari). This is clear through looking at the habits of the Prophet himself.

It is sad that many non-Muslims look at Islam as a barbaric backward religion, while the reality is that Muslims were pioneers in health, cleanliness and hygiene.

A hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) says, “Two blessings are generally disregarded by people; free time and health. (So take care of them well).” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

There are many priceless gems of knowledge in the Koran and hadith from which man can benefit immensely. These are but brief medical facts which have been mentioned before in Koran and hadith and there is a lot more to be discovered and studied.