This is recurring fact that every single country in the world has been affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic including Muslim countries as well as Pakistan. However, the intensity of this epidemic is not much severe in Muslim countries including Pakistan except some in African continent but this should be taken as granted before the situation can grow worse. UNAIDS estimates are that since the start of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, around 29.4 million people have already been infected with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS infections are being reported in every single country day by day. According to National AIDS Control Program, Government of Pakistan, there are 4,000 registered HIV/AIDS cases in Pakistan but that more accurate estimates show that total cases are around 80,000, with 15,000 cases occurring among women as well.
HIV/AIDS spreads mainly through unprotected vaginal and anal sexual intercourse with an infected person. The virus is also transmitted through the sharing of needles by intravenous drug users. Therefore, HIV/AIDS can affect anyone who engages in such kinds of activities, and religion can only play a role of a resistor.
At the moment we are talking about misconceptions, which keep us away to talk about the reproductive health and sexual issues with each other and particularly the parental care does not include brain streaming of young about their reproductive and sexual health issues before they can get affected by these. Islam as a religion of nature also advocates removing misconceptions but actual philosophy of religion has not been taken as it is i.e. it prevail the easiness and purity to human life by set patterns. As a matter of fact, our social structure does not allow us to discuss sexual issues because Pakistan is a conservative society and this is due to gap between societal interventions leaped far from religion. Our society influences all elements of our life such as politics, legislation, customs, beliefs and attitudes. So sex is a prohibited and cannot be discussed explicitly. Moreover, the strict social and cultural norms of our society inhibit discussion on sexuality and sexual behavior not only at public forums but also among family members.
Human life is highly valued in Islam; it is considered a gift from Allah. In the Islamic view, Muslims are not supposed to think that it is their life with which they can do what they want. Instead, individuals have been entrusted with life by Allah. We are supposed to look after life and not abuse it. A healthy body is a gift from Allah, we are the trustees, and therefore we have no right to misuse and abuse it.
Our Holy Prophet Mohammed, (peace be upon him), has stressed the importance of health at many times. He once said to his one of his companion, “O’ Abbas ask Allah for health in this world and in the next” (Al-Nasa`i). “No supplication is more pleasing to Allah than a request for good health” (Tirmidhi). The Prophet Dawud (PBUH) also said, “Health is a hidden kingdom”. Our bodies are trust from Allah that must be returned one day and we will be asked how looked after it. Therefore we should avoid any act which will harm our physical or spiritual health.
Discussing HIV and AIDS would involve discussing sexual and intimate matters. Islam has always encouraged discussions on matters which will help us protect our health and life. Modesty in Islam does not mean that we should not discuss sexual matters. Muslim men and women never felt shy to ask the Prophet (PBUH) about intimate sexual matters. The Holy Qur’an has also discussed reproduction, creation, family life, menstruation and ejaculation.
The Prophet (PBUH) has said, “Blessed are the women of the Ansar (citizens of Madinah), shyness did not stand in their way for seeking knowledge about their religion” (Bukhari & Muslim). The Qur’an and hadith (words and sayings attributed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)) have repeatedly stressed the importance of geting knowledge. “Are they equal those who do, and those who do not know?” (Qur’an 39:9). It’s through knowledge that we can achieve closeness to Allah, marvel at his creative work, and appreciate the divine rules of conduct given in the Holy Book and practiced by the Holy Prophet and his companions. We should not feel embarrassed or shy when discussing or reading about HIV/AIDS.
Islam is a religion that is very close to human nature. It appreciates the powerful sexual desires that humans have. Therefore it encourages that these desires be fulfilled, and advocates and encourages marriage, so that through marriage sexual desires can be fulfilled but marriage is not only a pure life way but a pure and strong foundations for the continuation of the chain of human beings. Like other heavenly religions, Islam provides us with a moral code for sexual enjoyment. Islam also prohibits the use of substances, which may impair the senses. Therefore the use of narcotics such as heroin and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
However, we must recognize that people engage in sexual activities before marriage, and there are also people having extra-marital sex. Islam means the submission or surrender of one’s will to Allah, and therefore it follows that a Muslim should not be involved in any act that is prohibited by Islam. Nevertheless, we need to be realistic and must face the fact that not all of us follow our religion fully.
Accurate information about HIV and AIDS will help to control the spread of the disease in our communities. It will also reduce the fear and discrimination against people who become HIV positive. Information will also help us to challenge any myths surrounding the disease.
Sexual practices that may not be allowed by our religion do exist. Therefore, there is the need to accept reality and develop HIV and AIDS educational programs for all our communities. These programs must emphasize Islamic moral values, but should also inform people about methods of protection from this life threatening illness.
End.
By:Mansoor Qaisar
mansoor.qaisar@gmail.com |
Health
