The Islamic Perspective on Contagious Diseases in Light of Prophetic Hadiths (ﷺ): A Research Study

احادیث نبویہ ﷺ کی روشنی میں امراض ساریہ کے بارے میں اسلامی تصور: ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

Contagious diseases are a major challenge to human health, social life, and collective social order. They can be transmitted from one person to another and, at times, may take the form of epidemics. Islam gives fundamental importance to the protection of human life and health and encourages all measures that help individuals protect themselves and prevent harm to others. The Holy Qur’an emphasizes the preservation of human life, while the Prophetic traditions (Ahadith) provide clear guidance regarding illness, treatment, precaution, and epidemics. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prohibited entering or leaving an area affected by an outbreak of plague, highlighting the importance of precautionary measures to prevent infectious diseases and curb their spread. Likewise, Islam encourages medical treatment, cleanliness, purification, and the preservation of health. The legal principle of “La Darar wa La Dirar” (neither causing harm nor reciprocating harm) also provides fundamental guidance for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This article examines the Islamic concept of contagious diseases in the light of the Prophetic Hadiths (ﷺ).