Hossam E. Fadel: Allah commands us to preserve life, health

Hossam E. Fadel, M.D.
·3 min read

Muslim scholars identified the objectives of Shariah (Islamic Jurisprudence) as preservation of religion, life (and health), intellect, property and progeny. This writing mainly relates to the second objective.

Muslims believe that our bodies belong to Allah and we are their trustees. We must act in accordance with His instructions. The terms and conditions of the trust are outlined in the Quran and the Sunnah – Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and actions – the two main sources of Islamic Jurisprudence.

Human life is inviolable. The sanctity of human life is of paramount importance. Allah says: "Who saves a human life is as if he saved the whole mankind." (5:32)

Taking one’s life (suicide) is prohibited. Allah says: "Do not kill yourselves." (4:29)

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We need to preserve our health

We need to preserve our health.

Several Islamic rituals involve hygiene-promoting actions. Wudu (ritual cleaning of nose, mouth, face, forearms, and feet) before prayers, at least five times a day, ritual bathing and dental hygiene are examples. Good nutrition is stressed. The Quran says: "Eat from the good things We have provided for you." (2:172)

It gives examples of healthy foods such as dates, olives, grapes, figs and pomegranates.

Some Qur’anic injunctions are in part meant to preserve health, such as the prohibition of intoxicants and illicit sexual behavior.

Mental health is promoted through prayers, supplication and true submission to God. Allah says: "Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort." (13:28)

Prophet Muhammad had many sayings recommending health-promoting actions, including physical exercise.

We understand that even if we follow these guidelines, we may still get sick. All diseases and other difficulties we encounter are ordained by Allah. These are not necessarily punishments, but are tests of our faith. Allah says: "Be sure that We shall test you with something of fear and hunger." (2:155)

Those who persevere, remain patient and submit to the will of Allah will be rewarded. Muslims believes that the ultimate healer is Almighty Allah. In the Quran, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) proclaims: "When I get sick, He is the One who cures me." (26:80)

Nevertheless, Prophet Mohammad ordered us to seek cure. While the default rule is to seek treatment for all ailments, a patient can refuse a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure if he/she is competent and is given full information about the purpose of the test or treatment, its alternatives and the harm that results from refusal.

It is permissible to refuse treatment in case of terminal illness when therapy is unlikely to effect cure, especially if it has serious side effects. However, in emergency situations such as a patient who has lost a lot of blood in an accident and is likely to die, the life-saving treatment of blood transfusion cannot be refused.

Muslims believe that death is not the end of existence

Muslims believe that death is not the end of existence. We believe in resurrection when we will meet Allah on the Day of Judgment with the hope of admission to paradise. The Quran says: "We belong to Allah and to Him we will return." (2:156)

While death itself is scary, Muslims aspire, by the mercy of Allah, to have an everlasting happy afterlife. Therefore, they tend to be more peaceful as life on earth is coming to an end. Dying Muslims will engage in more prayers, invocation of God, reading and listening to Quran and acts of charity. If they had any debts, they try to pay it off. If they offended, caused harm or have been unjust to others, they will seek their forgiveness and correct their mistakes and ask repentance from God.

God predestines and decrees the moment we will die. No one can hasten or delay his or her own death or that of others if it is against the will of God. Allah says: "And no human being can die save by Allah’s leave, at a term preordained." (3:145)

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Allah commands us to preserve life, health | Column