Infection: An Islamic Perspective
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Should I move away from a person suffering from a contagious disease in a congregation? What about his feelings? If Islam says that a person suffers from a disease only when Allah wills, then it makes absolutely no difference whether you are living in unhygienic conditions, in contact with contagious sick people, or in a healthy atmosphere. Then it seems that Islam contradicts practical science and common sense. I know it doesn’t, but I a m confused. Some scholars say that you should eat and drink the leftovers from contagious people, for if we will suffer only if we are destined to suffer. Agreed. But isn’t there more probability of suffering when the likelihood of coming in contact with germs is greater? Isn't precaution better than cure? Another ethical question is that if all healthy people move away, then who would take care of the sick? I feel that biology is just a tool, an agency in Allah's hands, through which His will is effected. Then why are some Muslims averse to science? They say that if you apply reason to religion you will be misled. Islam means submission, without questioning! But if Islam is compatible with science, then why the inhibitions? Jazakum Allah khayran.
