Swine Flu: Facts & Precautions | What is Your Local Muslim Community Doing About It?

“He has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits - then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.” (Baqarah: 173)

Cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) viral infections have been confirmed across the United States, and around the world. The resulting disease, dubbed “Swine Flu”, is a contagious respiratory illness that can be spread from human to human, by coughing, sneezing, and coming into contact with virus-covered surfaces.

The following article aims to educate Muslims on both the Biology and Islam behind the latest influenza pandemic. It has been split into three main sections:

• The Biology: What is swine flu, and why Muslims can catch it even if they don’t eat pork - written by our resident Biologist, Dr Mehzabeen b. Ibrahim.
• Swine Flu, Islam & Muslims: The Islamic texts referring to pork consumption, and contagious disease.
• Recommendations: How to stay healthy during this outbreak, insha’Allah. A MUST READ.