|
Muslims
and HIV/AIDS
http://www.muhajabah.com/
I
believe that we can establish a modality in which Muslims can engage in
the struggle to rid the world of the scourge of AIDS, while maintaining
their religious and moral world view, and not compromise their religious
beliefs. This "paradigm of engagement," however, must be deeply
ensconced in the traditions and ethical teachings of Islam and operate
within the Islamic conceptual framework. First, I argue that it is
impossible for a Muslim to discuss AIDS outside of the framework of
moral and ethical behavior. In other words, people in the secular world
should not expect Muslims to think or operate outside of their religious
and spiritual value system, because it is precisely this value system
that determines their identity, self-concept and world view, i.e. who
they are and what they believe. So, it is within the Islamic framework
that I propose the following: 1) That Muslims deal with the person with
AIDS as a fellow human being who is ill and draw from the sources of the
Holy Quran, which focuses on Allah's mercy and forgiveness:
Say, O my servants who have transgressed against their souls; despair
not of the mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is
oft-forgiving, most merciful. (Ibid. 39-53)
2) That Muslims reflect on the essence of Allah's message, which
commands them to help those that are less fortunate.
3) That Muslims become advocates in support of more health care and
medicines, and education, particularly for African Americans who are
witnessing an increase in HIV infections. That they remember the famous
words of their Prophet Muhammad who stated:
I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: He who amongst you sees
something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand- and if
he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his
tongue (speak out against it) and if he has not strength enough to do
it, then he should hate it in his heart, and that is the weakest of
faith. (Hadith 365, reported by Abu Sa'id al_khudri)
4) That Muslims support and become advocates for an increase in funds
for HIV/AIDS research. This is supported by the teachings of Islam which
state:
It was reported that the Prophet said: "Verily, Allah has not let any
malady occur without providing its remedy. Therefore seek medical
treatment for your illnesses." (Hadith reported by Anas ibn Mas'ud
and documented by Ibn Majah)
5) That Muslims provide education for the Muslim community about ADDS,
so that in the event that non-Muslim members of their families are
infected, they will know how to care for them.
6) That Muslims develop strategies to care for members of their
congregations that are infected but may be too embarrassed to come
forward.
7) That Muslims remember what the Quran says about Prophet Muhammad and
mercy:
"We have sent you O Muhammad as a mercy to the worlds. "
Email:
|
