The Prophet’s Guidance in Preventing Epidemics and Limiting their Spread along with Benefitting from it in the Field of Da’wah

Abstract

The research is concerned with demonstrating the guidance of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, in the field of health preservation, especially when epidemics and diseases spread.    

The research consists of an introduction, three chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter deals with a brief analysis of the definition of "epidemic" in language and terminology, with a clarification of the judicial aim of prevention. The second chapter focuses on demonstrating  the guidance of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, in preserving the health of the individual through prophetic instructions, advices, and realistic practices calling for the cleanliness and purity of a Muslim, such as ablution, washing, using "siwak", covering vessels and watering cans, and washing hands before using the water when waking up from sleep.                                                                                

The third chapter deals with the Prophet’s guidance, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, in preserving the health of the society through several legislations that are confirmed by contemporary health instructions, such as: the guidance of the Prophet to quarantine diseases and epidemics through what is known as the quarantine of the patient. In addition, it discusses the Prophet’s guidance in insisting on the cleanliness of water sources, taking care of the cleanliness of public roads and bathrooms, and the cleanliness of mosques, homes, and courtyards.

The study underlines the benefit of the recognition of this prophetic noble guidance in its theory and practice, as it serve as an effective tool in fighting epidemics and diseases. Moreover, these healthy practices in Islamic Sharia are linked to the laws and duties of Islam, and they are means to Allah’s satisfaction, which confirms the greatness of the Prophetic guidance and the validity of Islam for all times and places, and its concern for every beneficial actions for people.

The study also addresses preachers to show the positive effect of these directives and practices, and how to benefit from them in Islamic advocacy, especially in times of the spread of deadly epidemics, as evidence of the validity of Islam for every time and place.