The whole world is going through tough times. The pandemic has changed lifestyles and affected countless people
throughout the world. All the countries are trying to fight against the situation – Coronavirus. No matter which skin
tone you have or which religion you follow everyone faces the same emergencies and conditions.
The history of Islamic teachings about the outbreak of infectious diseases goes back to the monotheistic religion’s
early times. Let’s see what Islamic teachings are and how to practice Islam during a pandemic.
Islamic Teachings during Pandemic
Islam teaches us about human relationships and strong family ties. Muslims live together in a large family (joint
family system). Ones who live alone tend to visit their families and friends weekly or now and then.
With the outbreak of the pandemic, the need for social distancing aroused. People were told not to shake hands, no
hugging, and restricted visits. It was not easy to follow. However, according to the Islamic teachings, if you do not
know something, follow those who know about it.
Visiting and taking care of the sick is appreciated in Islam. It is also prohibited during the pandemic. You can make a
phone call or message your loved ones to encourage them and make them realize that you are with them.
Islam tells us to be kind to everyone. No matter what the situation is, stay calm and believe in Allah almighty. Follow
His instructions, take precautions, and have faith in Him.
‘Take Precautions and Have Faith in Allah Almighty’
Self-isolation/Quarantine
Islam teaches us not to harm anyone and not to be get harmed by anyone. In terms of the pandemic, we can clearly
understand that if you are infected, do not put others in danger by going near them, and if someone is infected, save
yourself and do not get harmed.
So, the concept of isolation and quarantine is given by Islam. We are protecting ourselves as well as practicing our
religion.
Precautions and cure both are encouraged by Islam. Take preventions to protect yourself from any ailment or
infection. If, somehow, you get the condition, take medicine and cure yourself. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) has
encouraged finding different treatment methods and medication for various diseases.
Practicing Islam: Cleanliness and Hygiene Cleanliness
Cleanliness is of two types, cleanliness of body and cleanliness of soul. By worshiping (doing Ibadah), we can clean
our soul and body to be cleansed by properly bathing and taking care of personal hygiene.
Personal hygiene is a basic need to be followed to protect ourselves against the coronavirus spread. This comes very
naturally to Muslims. Islam teaches us about cleanliness and hygiene. It’s so important that it is said to be half of
your faith. Washing hands regularly, clipping nails, wearing clean clothes, taking baths, brushing teeth daily, and
keeping the surroundings clean, Muslims already follow these rules.
Muslims do ablution (Wudu) five times a day. That includes washing the face, arms, interlacing fingers, feet,
cleaning the nose, and wiping the head. It is a purifying ritual Muslims all over the world obey. These rituals can’t
completely control the disease but can help to reduce the risk.
‘Allah Loves Neat and Clean People’
Practicing Islam: Mosques and Prayers
During the coronavirus pandemic situation, maintaining the social distance required no gatherings and avoiding
people meet-ups as much as possible. Therefore, offering prayers in mosques five times a day is not possible.
It encouraged to offer daily prayers in congregation. Still, as Islam is a flexible and peace-loving religion, all the
authorities decided to close mosques for people’s betterment and safety.
However, Friday prayers allowed in some countries in the early days, but they banned too after the
harmful consequences.
Being a Muslim, emotional attachment to the mosque is natural. Still, we believe that Allah Almighty will give as
much reward to us by offering prayers in the home as He promised for mosques.
‘Offer Prayers, Avoid Gatherings’
Practicing Islam: Ramadan, Pilgrimage, and Eid’s
Out of the five pillars of Islam, two are fasting (soum) and pilgrimage (Hajj). Fasting from dawn to dusk and
refraining yourself from evil deeds is what a Soum all about. In Ramadan, Muslims perform a particular Salah called
Taraweeh. The daily night congregational prayer (Taraweeh) is affected by the pandemic. However, with Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP), you can offer congregational prayers.
However, Hajj – the annual and Holy pilgrimage to Mecca, affected the most by this coronavirus pandemic. People
visit Mecca from all over the world and perform Hajj every year. So The government of Saudi Arabia restricted the
entries to protect people from the widely spread disease.
Similarly, the two Eids Muslims celebrate yearly Eid-ul-Adha, and Eid-ul-Fitr also affected. As public gatherings
restricted, people bound to stay in their homes and maintain social distancing.
‘Precautions and Celebrations All Side by Side’
Practicing Islam: Obey your Rulers
All of us must obey the instructions given to us by our rulers. In the pandemic’s challenging conditions, the
authorities have to make difficult decisions to protect people from infectious diseases.
Islam teaches us to follow our rulers unless they ask us to carry out a sin. Restrictions on congregational prayers,
social meet-ups, pilgrimage to Mecca, and banned greetings by hugging and shaking hands are all for our prevention
and safety. So, we must abide by the laws and rules our country rulers make for us.
‘Follow the Governmental Regulations’
Practicing Islam: Preventing Life
However Religion, life, intellect, wealth, and lineage are the five underlying objectives of Shariyah. All the rules Allah
has given to us are surrounded by these underlying objectives and benefits for us.
If someone does not obey the rules and consciously exposes himself to an injurious health disease and dies, it might
considered suicide. This is only because preventing your life is a part of practicing Islam.
Practicing Islam: Do not lose hope.
Islam gives us hope. because It is a religion of peace and love. In harsh conditions, you must pray to Allah Almighty to protect
you from all the misfortunes.
Allah does not like people who wish death for themselves. If you caught up in a calamity, do not lose hope and do
not want death for yourself. Always pray to Allah to save you from mishaps and ask Him to do the best for you.
‘Believe in Allah And Pray for The Best’ It’s a Wrap
Muslims and all other people must follow the instructions given to them by their government officials, social
distancing, self-isolation, following the SOPs, and personal hygiene.
Governments are taking action, but we also need to follow them to fight against coronavirus. Practice the religion by
following the regulations. Prevent yourself and also others from this pandemic.
Islam is a flexible religion. Follow the path given by Holy Prophet (PBUH),certainly and you will get to know there are no
rules that are against human nature. For every situation, we have instructions and guidelines with us. Follow them
and stay safe.