#hadithondisease

[a-truthaboutislam-universe]

Islam has prescribed certain guidelines to deal with infectious disease outbreaks that affect a community, or even the entire world. The recent ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ that originated in Wuhan, China is one such case in point. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Do not cause harm, and don’t get harmed [lā ḍarar wa lā ḍirār].” [Muwaṭṭa’ #1435] This statement clarifies a general principle that is used in all aspects of life, and which appropriately applies in situations of outbreaks. A Muslim must avoid harming others if they are affected with a disease that has a likelihood of harming another person/people. Likewise, a Muslim must be careful not to get harmed, and must protect themselves appropriately.