SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This article considers the Covid-19 pandemic in the light of the Qur’anic vision and the Prophet’s teachings, as well as the principles of Shari’a and the history of Islamic medicine. Covid is part of God’s creation and works according to God’s sunan (laws) for the universe, which are unchangeable. The Qur’an teaches people to avoid destroying themselves with their own hands. Thus the hadith of the Prophet teaches people to avoid spreading infection/plague from one place to another. If someone does become ill the Qur’an teaches them to have a positive attitude of trying their utmost to find a cure. The prophet said, that God had not created a disease without creating a cure. When everything possible to us has been done, the believer should not despair of God’s mercy or feel helpless. The Qur’an encourages a positive frame of mind and acceptance, knowing that the sick and dying can still hope for a better life in the next world, and that God is the one who gives and takes life.