Islamic Prevention of Avian Influenza

Authors

  • Harunor Rashid Queen Mary University of London
  • Shafquat Mohammed Rafiq St. Helier's Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5915/39-3-8526

Keywords:

Influenza, Avian Influenza, Islam, Muslims, Pandemic

Abstract

DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/39-4-8526

Pandemic influenza occurs from time to time due to drastic changes in its antigenic properties. Avian (H5N1) influenza, which is equally lethal to birds and man, retains the potential to cause a major global outbreak in humans. Comparable major pandemics occurred in the past; the most famous of those is plague. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم has clearly outlined how to contain epidemics by discouraging migration to and from the affected area. The Islamic way of “community quarantining” by restricting human mobility can play an important role in controlling pandemic influenza. Moreover, basic sanitation taught by Islam can help to prevent the disease from occurring. The hygienic principles of Islam are simple and easy to follow. People of all faith can benefit.

Author Biographies

Harunor Rashid, Queen Mary University of London

Research Fellow, Academic Unit of Paediatrics, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom

Shafquat Mohammed Rafiq, St. Helier's Hospital

Registrar, Department of Medicine

St. Helier's Hospital

Surrey, United Kingdom

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Published

2007-08-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles