Islam's Emphasis on Health and the COVID-۱۹ Pandemic; A Review based on Islamic Teachings

Coronavirus disease ۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ۲ (SARS-CoV-۲). Since December ۲۰۱۹, the disease has spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic. As no effective vaccine has been successfully developed globally so far, an important point in dealing with this disease can be the emphasis of experts on health measures in preventing the transmission and spread of this disease. The Abrahamic faiths all have emphasized the importance of assisting others and saving lives in their teachings. Muslims constitute the world's second-largest religious group, making up about a quarter of the world population. One of the characteristics of Islam is to encourage people to observe purity in various aspects of life, such as ablution, which is washing of the hands and face five times a day before saying prayers. The prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has also emphasized cleanliness and purity as part of the faith and its necessity.With the news of the global spread of the coronavirus, various health guidelines have been issued by experts to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it must be borne in mind that what is now recommended by doctors and health experts to prevent COVID-۱۹ disease has been emphasized by Islam ۱۴۰۰ years ago. Human societies can achieve health and perfection by following Islamic precepts, and in this case, COVID-۱۹ will not have a chance to emerge. As some individuals may be wary of following the preventative measures for COVID-۱۹ by government and international organizations, followers of the religion should utilize religious teachings to reiterate the importance of these measures for the safety of the community.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Health , Prevention , Islam