DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2663-4619/122/34-39
Mehmet Ergun
Bartin University
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6149-2358
mergun@bartin.edu.tr
Health and Its Importance in Islamic Law
Abstract
According to Islamic law, the role and importance of health in the performance of acts of worship is undeniably significant. For this reason, among the fundamental principles that all divine laws, from Prophet Adam onwards, have required to be preserved are the protection of life and intellect. This is because the prerequisite for a person who is religiously accountable to fulfill their duties first towards Allah Almighty and subsequently towards other beings is to be both spiritually and physically healthy. Within this framework, Islam has unequivocally commanded the preservation of health through conclusive evidence and has prohibited actions and harmful substances that may endanger health, categorizing them as unlawful and legally impermissible. The human being, created with superior qualities compared to other living creatures, possesses the ability to undertake missions such as believing, thinking, worshipping, and serving as the vicegerent of the earth—capabilities that necessitate good health. However, human nature, with its inherent mortality, fragility, and weakness, may sometimes be confronted with risks such as illness or disability. In this respect, even a single breath taken in good health should be regarded as the most valuable asset in the world, and applying appropriate treatment methods in times of illness should be considered a duty towards one’s own body. The essence of this paper, entitled Health and Its Importance in Islamic Law, is as follows: the healthier the human being—whose ultimate purpose of creation is to worship—the more easily and with higher quality they can perform acts of worship. This, in turn, means attaining the pleasure and approval of Allah, the Lawgiver, who enacts commands and prohibitions for His servants.
Keywords: Islamic law, health, illness, treatment