Physicians Heal thyself – The Jamaat Attendees should have been guided as per Sunnah

A.Q. Siddiqui

The Delhi Markaz Jamaat attendees have scattered all over the country and caused an impending doom on their near and dear, and the community around them. They should know what good it would have been if they would have stayed back and just studied what Prophet of Islam said for any epidemic and prevention from it and then planned moving out in small numbers. Blame game is on between Markaz and local police authorities, but apparently the chief of Markaz owes a social and religious lapse on his part.

Any religious scholar is responsible for the right guidance and safety of his followers under any circumstances. The problem with today’s Islamic scholars in India and Pakistan is self-motivated divergence from the teachings of Sunnah (sayings of Prophet) and Quran.

While Indian PM announced a 21-day lockdown within four hours, it cannot be taken as a blanket for covering the entire crowd under one roof.
Next day, thousands of labors walked out from Delhi to their hometowns on foot. They acted wisely in comparison with Markaz attendees who stayed back in large number under one roof. The Markaz chief should have asked attendees to leave immediately or seek shelter in empty schools or Madrasas in small groups.

As an epidemic was prevalent at the time when Markaz session was going on, it was the prime responsibility of Markaz chief to focus on the guidance of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh). Before concluding the session, all attendees must have been guided as per the following sayings of Prophet(pbuh), about prevention and safety from the epidemic.

Quarantine is the basic Prophetic advice, “Runaway from the leper (one with contagious disease), as you would run away from a lion”. (Bukhari Vol 7, Book71/608)
Social Distancing was advised by him in this command, “Those with contagious diseases should be kept away from those who are healthy” (Bukhaari 6771). If you have symptoms, the Prophet advised, “Do not cause harm or return harm.” (SunanIbnMajah 2340)

Lockdown or staying at home was strongly advised by Prophet(pbuh), in these sayings, “Those who stay at home to protect themselves and others are under the protection of Allah. (Musnad Ahmed, Saheeh). “The plague (contagion) patient who remains in his home with patience and expectation of reward, knowing that nothing will befall him other than Allah’s decree will attain the reward of martyr” (Bukhari 2829)

Many ignorant Muslims have tiffs with security personnel for entering into mosque for prayers. They should know what Prophet said, “The entire earth has been made a Masjid, except graveyards and washrooms” (Tirmidhi) It is better Muslims perform prayers at home.

Facemask and sanitization was also advised and practiced by Prophet(pbuh), himself. Prophet, while sneezing would cover his face with his hand or his garment. (Tirmidhi Book 43). Washing hands up to elbow and washing face is mandatory before each prayer. Prophet said, “Cleanliness is half of faith.”

Travel ban was also strongly advised by Prophet, “Do not enter a land where the plague(contagion) has broken out; do not leave from where it has broken out” (Bukhari 5739)
There is hope for cureas envisaged by Prophet(pbuh), “There is no disease that Allah sent without sending for it a cure”. (Bukhari V 7-582). In another saying, he is quoted, “Every disease has a cure. If a cure is applied to the disease, it is relieved by the permission of God.” (Muslim2204)