"The Prophet's Guidance on Plague - A Servant Principle"


Whenever the world faces a plague, an atmosphere of fear, confusion and uncertainty is created. The foundation of what modern scientific research and medical science guide us today was laid by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fourteen hundred years ago.

Hazrat Usamah bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

> "This (plague) is a remnant of the punishment that was sent down upon a group of the Children of Israel. If you hear that a plague has broken out in a place and you are not there, then do not go there, and if you are in a place where a plague has broken out, then do not leave it."

(Sunan Tirmidhi - Hasan Sahih)

Understanding Plague in Islamic Teachings

This hadith is not only a spiritual guidance but also provides a social code based on scientific principles.  What we call quarantine in modern terms is the same principle that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us centuries ago — namely, avoiding going to an infected area and not leaving it.

A trial, but with strategy

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called the plague “a remnant of torment,” meaning that it can be not only a physical illness but also a spiritual trial. However, he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not stop at a purely spiritual approach — he also outlined a practical and social strategy.

This teaches us that along with reliance on Allaah, taking precautions is also part of faith.

The importance of this teaching in modern times

Pandemics like COVID-19 today remind us again of the fact that:

Ignoring public health principles can be not only ignorance but also a collective crime.

The teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) are alive and applicable for every era.

The Islamic way of life is not limited to acts of worship but also provides guidance in every aspect of life.

Conclusion — A Message

This guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches us that the religion of Islam is a complete code of life, which not only nourishes our hearts and souls but also provides light in social, medical and collective life.

Even today, if we adopt the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in every aspect of our lives, then not only worldly prosperity is possible, but also success in the Hereafter can be our destiny.