Islamic Jurisprudence on the Preparation of the Deceased Infected with Contagious Diseases (The Ebola Virus Disease as a Model)
Keywords:
Contagious Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Deceased, Funeral Prayer,ShroudAbstract
The present research tackles a fundamental theoretical topic, namely the jurisprudential aspects relevant to burial preparations of a deceased person infected with a contagious disease. The researcher has selected the Ebola virus as a model for the study due to its recent spread and being the most dangerous and deadly epidemic in our time (May Allah protect us).
The study aims to emphasize the inviolability of the deceased in Islamic law, the preservation of corpse and the protection of the dignity of the departed. The research seeks to clarify the correct procedures when handling the deceased with a contagious disease, while safeguarding the relatives of the dead, health workers, and mourners who may come to direct contact with the departed during the preparation of the dead.
In more details, the researcher discusses several issues related to the treatment of the corpse of the infected with contagious diseases from the moment he/she dies up until the burial. The preparation starts with pre-funeral acts of washing and shrouding, putting the corpse in a coffin and saying the death prayers. This is followed by discussion of rulings regarding disposal of corpse without burial. In doing so, the researcher illustrates numerous jurisprudential methods in presenting the topic such as induction, analysis, comparison, discussion, and tarjeeh (plausible probability).
The researcher confirmes in the course of study the completeness and ease of Islamic law, since it stipulates the performance of religious duties by ability and possibility. Likewise, it emphasizes how Islam, a complete way of life, safeguards Muslims whether alive or after their death, showing the importance of seeking means of protection from harm, and maintaining the sanctity and dignity of the deceased, the same way while alive. All things considered, it is not permissible to transgress the dead's inviolability for dubious reasons.
