ISLA

ISLAM AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC

“Covid-19 is a virus that is quite deadly and very

dangerous. Covid-19 itself is a new type of
coronavirus which has never been found before
in the human body. In more severe cases,
infection can lead to pneumonia, acute
respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even
death.”
How Does Islam View the Pandemic?

Based on historical records, there was an outbreak of disease at the time of the Prophet and his companions.
Although not a deadly virus like Covid-19, the outbreak at that time also spread quickly and caused not a few
people to be affected. At that time, one of the plagues that often occurred was leprosy or leprosy. As a
precaution, the Apostle ordered not to be near the sufferer or the area affected by the plague. The concept of
regional quarantine is as expressed by Rasulullah SAW in HR Bukhari which "If you hear of a plague in an
area, then do not enter it. But if there is a plague where you are, then don't leave that place." In dealing
with disease outbreaks, the Prophet Muhammad SAW gave the concept of quarantine to save human lives from
the threat of death due to infectious disease outbreaks.

Then, how do we deal with the pandemic from an Islamic point of view ?
During this pandemic, it is very important to try and rely on Allah SWT. Outward and inward effort. The
external effort is to follow the health protocols (prokes) according to the government's recommendations.
Strengthen immunity with nutritious food and adequate rest. Meanwhile, inwardly is done by always getting
closer to Allah SWT. One of them is to strengthen the creed to further uphold our monotheism. Imam Shafii
advises all of us Muslims on what to do in the midst of the epidemic.

1
 In a book, Imam Syafii said he had never found a more effective solution during an
epidemic than glorifying Allah SWT. Efforts outwardly, will be maximized with inner
endeavors. In addition, dhikr and say subhanallah not only verbally. Accompany it by
increasing worship, especially prayer. The Prophet's friend, Abdullah bin Abbas once
concluded that all the beads in the Qur'an mean prayer. So, multiplying the prayer
beads during the epidemic in question is also the same as increasing prayer. For those
of you who are positive for Covid-19, don't be down, there are still some very big hope

Instill the deepest belief that this condition must be full of wisdom, Allah is holy from setting a fate that is in
vain.

How to Stay Healthy From an Islamic Point of View?

In maintaining health from an Islamic point of view, it would be better if we

as Muslims imitate the Prophet Muhammad in maintaining health. This is
because in addition to the Prophet Muhammad SAW blessed with a very
healthy physique, very athletic and very strong. The pattern of eating,
praying, sleeping patterns, exercise, hygiene and sanitation carried out by the
Prophet can be an example for all of us in maintaining our health.

Sleep patterns, for example. Bukhari and Muslim narrate that the Messenger of Allah
hated sleeping the night before Isha and talking (which is not useful) after (staying up
late). As for the diet, the prophet often maintains a balance in the body by fasting
which is medically capable of cleansing the body of toxins or metabolic waste.
Uncontrolled eating patterns can lead to excess intake which has an impact on other
diseases such as obesity, where obesity can trigger the birth of a disease that is quite
deadly. In addition, it is recommended during this pandemic to continue to wear masks
and keep your distance too.

Regarding treatment, what the Prophet said for treatment was compiled or recorded in a book called Mazafit.
The context of the thibbun Nabawi written is said to be a habit related to prayer, sleep, sanitation, hygiene,
exercise and diet. Muslims should not doubt the sense of this. As stated by one Muslim leader in the field of
health (Ibn Qoyyim) that it is not appropriate for a Muslim to doubt the method of nabawiyyah treatment. In

2
 fact, he should make it the main way of treatment because the certainty comes from Allah SWT.

How Do We Ask Allah For Health?

In addition to trying and doing activities that increase immunity in the body, it is
also important to continue to worship and always pray, ask for forgiveness, and be
grateful to Allah SWT for all the blessings and tests that have been given. The
prayers to ask for health are as follows:

PRAYER FOR HEALTH FOR FAMILY

“Allaahumma innii as-alukal „aafiyata fiddunyaa wal aakhirati. Allaahumma as-alukal „afwa wal „aafiyata fii diinii
wa dunyaa wa ahlii wamaa lii”

It means:

"Ya Allah, I ask You for wal afiyat in this world and the hereafter. Ya Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and good
health and well-being in my religion, and my world, and my family, and my property."

In addition to the above prayer, Prophet Muhammad SAW also taught a prayer for healing from illness. This
prayer was narrated by Imam Muslim, Abu Daud, At-Tirmizi, and Ibn Majah. Rasulullah SAW said: Read
'Bismillah' 3 times while placing your hand on the part of the body that hurts. Then read 'a'uudzu bi'izzatillaahi wa
qudrotihi min syarri maa ajidu wa uhaadzir 7 times.

It means:
"I seek refuge in the might of Allah Ta'ala and His power, from the evil that I feel and what I fear." After reading
the prayer above, it is recommended to read salawat for the Prophet 3 times. Hopefully by practicing this prayer, we
will avoid all dangerous diseases. Allahu A'lam.