COVID-19: How Would the Prophet Have Responded?

The Quran also describes Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a mercy to humanity. (Quran, 21:107.)

How might the Prophet of mercy, whose life is an excellent example for all of humanity, have handled the global Coronavirus Pandemic?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not a physician. Nor was he a pharmacist. He was a Messenger whose primary responsibility was to convey divine guidance in all aspects of life through words and actions, to his community, and the people who would come after him.

Studying the patterns in the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) leadership in times of crisis, we can better understand how to face Covid-19.

Consultation

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) always followed the divine guidance, also he used to consult his companions on issues of public concern.

While some actions require mere common sense, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would have formed a committee of experts and researchers to look into the pandemic to advise him and the people on precautions needed to deal with the situation.

Although the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not have to face a pandemic, there are numerous examples of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him), quick response in managing inconvenient conditions:

1. During a plague, he asked people to quarantine

2. He told them to maintain social distancing by not visiting or leaving the area.

3. He ensured that during a time of social distancing, the community pooled its resources to take provide for basic needs.

4. He opened the state treasury for that purpose and appealed to the people to donate generously.

5. He also started a soup kitchen to feed those who were unable to care for themselves.

6. He appointed a team of volunteers to facilitate timely disbursement of life necessities.

7. He admonished traders and merchants not to hoard or price gouge during times of crisis.

8. He urged people to consult medical experts.

9. He also advised following hygienic rules, and he suggested total physical cleanliness.

10. He also advised against throwing garbage in public places, ordering that it be disposed of safely.

Sanctity of Life

The Quran demands dignity from believers toward all human beings. Now, indeed, We have conferred dignity on the children of Adam, and borne them over land and sea, and provided for them sustenance out of the good things of life, and favored them far above most of Our creation. (Quran, 17:70.)

The primary leadership concern is the sanctity and preservation of life, particularly in a time of crisis. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) relied on the opinions of his companions.

Believing in a cure for every disease, the Prophet (peace be upon him) sought experts in human anatomy, herbology, and climatic conditions in seeking a cure for the plague. He encouraged the experts to continue their research.

In the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), there were no labs or hospitals. But there were physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, and he advised people to visit them.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, Allah has sent down both the disease and the cure, and He has appointed a cure for every disease, but use nothing unlawful. (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Based on expert advice, he encouraged regular exercise and to focus on preventive dietary measures to boost their immune systems, particularly in medical emergencies.

In the matter of severe illness or contagious diseases, to abate their spread, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered such patients to be isolated.

Remembering Allah

The Quran reminds us that remembering the Creator and His Majesty strengthens our resolve to face every situation. Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without a doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction. (Quran 13:28.)

Allah the Almighty reminds us that life is a blessing of God for a certain period, as everyone would return to the Creator one day. All that lives on earth or in the heavens is bound to pass away. (Quran 55:26.)

While alive, it is urgent to focus on three main things:

a) Raising a responsible family that is a source of continuous good for all;

b) Contributing to existing knowledge for the benefit humanity; and,

c) Leaving a charity behind to help the poor and needy.

Throughout his life, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered an example in physical, social, and spiritual leadership based on divine guidance, common sense, and expert opinion.

Coronavirus was not the first pandemic, and it won’t be the last. Historically, however, humanity responded to affliction based on trust in divine laws and guidance, and their resolve to follow facts rather than mere whims and superstitions.