Introduction
Public health is defined as the science and art of preventing diseases, improving quality of life, and promoting health and efficiency through organized community efforts. Public health, along with primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care, is part of a country’s overall health care system. These are sciences that serve the health of people and are considered as part of the interdisciplinary health sciences. Public health science encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and management of health services. Public health is also one of the efforts organized by society to protect, promote, and restore people’s health [Reference White1].
The Meaning of Public Health and Its Policies from an Islamic Perspective
Public health refers to the collective efforts aimed at preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life within a community [Reference White1]. In Islam, public health is a shared responsibility and is viewed as a way to fulfill the religious duty of preserving human life [Reference Rassool2]. Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Cleanliness is half of faith” [3]. In addition, Islamic history provides examples of public health policies, such as the quarantine measures implemented during the bubonic plague outbreak in the seventh century [Reference Tognotti4]. Today, Muslim-majority countries continue to implement public health policies that are in line with Islamic teachings. For example, the Malaysian government has implemented a national health policy that includes measures to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases [5].
Health Promotion: Islamic Historical Evolution
Health promotion is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and has been emphasized throughout history. Islam highlights the importance of maintaining good health and well-being, encouraging individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles [Reference Alimohammadi, Jafari-Mianaei, Bankipoor-Fard and Hasanpour6, 7]. Muslim physicians and scholars, such as Ibn-Sina and Al-Zahrawi, have made significant contributions to medicine and health care. Their works, including The Canon of Medicine and Kitab al-Tasrif, have had a lasting impact on medical knowledge and practice. The integration of health promotion within Islamic principles has played a crucial role in promoting health and preventing diseases [Reference Lakhtakia8].
Muslim-majority countries have implemented various health promotion strategies and programs to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases as observed in Arabic-speaking countries [Reference Samara, Andersen and Aro9]. Islam emphasizes the importance of individuals taking care of their physical, mental, and spiritual health, avoiding harmful behaviors, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle [Reference Guntur10]. These principles align with contemporary health promotion efforts aiming to improve overall well-being and prevent diseases [Reference Aboul-Enein11].
Islamic Health Policies
Throughout history, Muslim scholars and leaders have actively advocated for public health, with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighting the importance of cleanliness and implementing measures such as establishing a quarantine system [Reference Amin12]. These examples demonstrate the proactive approach of Islamic teachings towards maintaining and promoting public health. Hospitals and medical schools were established during the Islamic Golden Age, providing free health care regardless of social or economic status [Reference Hajar13]. Presently, Muslim-majority countries implement Islamic health policies, including national health care systems and health promotion programs. Islamic health policies recognize health care as a basic human right, accessible to all [Reference Almalki, Fitzgerald and Clark14]. The Qur’an emphasizes seeking medical treatment and the belief in Allah as the ultimate healer. Overall, Islamic health policies prioritize good health, disease prevention, and quality health care, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities [Reference BinTaleb and Aseery15].
The Public Health Prevention Program in Islam
Islam promotes public health prevention programs and emphasizes the importance of disease prevention and health promotion. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized prevention in maintaining good health [Reference Tulchinsky and Varavikova16]. Throughout history, Islamic societies have implemented public health prevention programs, such as establishing hospitals and clinics [Reference Piwko17]. Islamic teachings provide guidance on holistic health promotion, cleanliness, and preventive measures [Reference Koehrsen18]. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize moderation in consumption, cleanliness, and hygiene practices [Reference Koehrsen18]. For instance, the Qur’an states, “And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess” (Q A’raf 7:31), highlighting the importance of moderation in food and drink consumption for overall health. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized the significance of health and hygiene. He advised his followers to maintain cleanliness and encouraged practices such as performing ablution (wudu) before prayers, which includes washing the hands, face, and feet [19]. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended preventive measures such as quarantine to contain infectious diseases [Reference Tulchinsky and Varavikova16]. He stated, “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place” [Reference Tulchinsky and Varavikova16].
Communicable Diseases in Islam
In Islam, the control of communicable and pandemic diseases involves individual or group fatwas (religious rulings) as well as global organizational decisions. Three strategies are employed: quarantine and social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease, proper treatment of diseased cases, and respectful management of the deceased [Reference Dols20]. Historical examples, such as the plague of Shirawayh during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), demonstrate the implementation of quarantine measures [Reference Shabana21]. Treatment can be complemented by religious acts while acknowledging the importance of medical treatment alongside prayers and supplications to Allah [Reference Awaad, Nursoy-Demir, Khalil and Helal22, Reference Fahmy23]. Fatwas have been issued to support quarantine measures and provide guidance on the treatment of the ill and the handling of deceased bodies, considering the principles of Sharia [Reference Sachedina24]. Fatwas related to health promotion offer guidance to Muslims on health matters, aligning with Islamic principles and the higher objectives of Sharia, helping individuals and communities make informed decisions and adopt preventive measures [Reference Buḥayrī25].
Before issuing the COVID-19 vaccine, the injection of the plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients was used to boost individual immunity. However, this measure created unregulated markets; therefore, Al-Azhar’s International Center for Electronic Fatwa issued a fatwa stating that it is impermissible and sinful for recovered COVID-19 patients to withhold their plasma without a valid excuse [26]. Additionally, specific protocols were implemented for handling the deceased during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included procedures for washing, shrouding, offering prayers, burial, and providing consolation. According to the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), dead infected individuals should be buried without washing to reduce the spread of infection. Additionally, the funeral prayer can be performed in person or absentia, either individually or as a congregation [Reference Lugten and Hariharan27].
Islamic Evidence-Based Research on the Effect of Climate Change
Climate change is projected to have severe health impacts, leading to an estimated 250,000 additional deaths annually by 2030–50, particularly in areas with weaker health care systems [Reference Jenkins, Berry and Kreider28]. Consequently, Islamic leaders have proposed and adopted an Islamic Declaration on Climate Change and the promotion of “Islamic environmentalism” [Reference Aboul-Enein29].
Islamic teachings emphasize environmental conservation and human responsibility to protect the natural world. Islamic scholars have issued statements and fatwas stressing the importance of environmental preservation and climate change mitigation. Islam teaches that humans are stewards on Earth with a responsibility to care for the environment and promote ecological balance and sustainable resource management. Islam emphasizes trust and responsibility towards future generations and prohibits corruption and destruction on Earth [30]. The Islamic Declaration on Climate Change calls for urgent action based on Islamic ethical principles, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation and climate change mitigation for the well-being of all creatures and future generations [Reference Padela, Killawi, Heisler, Demonner and Fetters31].
Public Health Policies and Culture
When considering Islam and its applications to public health policies, several important aspects should be highlighted:
Islamic Principles: Islam promotes health preservation, cleanliness, and disease prevention as vital for individual and community well-being.
Public Health Practices: Islamic teachings encourage healthy habits, including regular handwashing, proper sanitation, and maintaining a clean environment, aligning with modern public health principles.
Community Support: Islam places an emphasis on community and social responsibility, fostering support and care for one another, especially during public health crises, which aids in implementing effective public health interventions [Reference Akrami, Karimi, Abbasi and Shahrivari32].
Ethical Considerations: Islamic ethics prioritize the preservation of life and the well-being of individuals and communities, providing a foundation for shaping public health policies [Reference Mustafa, Baker, Puligari, Melody, Yeung and Gao-Smith33].
Health Education: Islamic institutions and leaders play a significant role in disseminating health-related information, raising awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, and addressing misconceptions within Muslim communities [34].
All these aspects demonstrate how Islamic principles and values contribute to the development and implementation of effective public health policies and practices, encompassing health promotion, disease prevention, community support, ethical considerations, and health education.
Conclusion
Islam promotes public health policies that prioritize disease prevention and the promotion of good health and well-being. Islamic culture values diversity and has made significant contributions to various fields. Intercultural mediation is essential for promoting harmony and resolving conflicts in a multicultural world. Islamic education emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and community service while fostering acceptance of diversity and promoting interfaith dialogue. The contributions of Muslims throughout history highlight the importance of intercultural exchange and cooperation. By promoting intercultural understanding and respect, society can become more inclusive and harmonious.
