An Outline of the Discussions and Recommendations of a Seminar on: AIDS-related Social Problems -An Islamic Perspective

 Introduction:

With God's grace and blessing, and in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, the Jeddah Islamic Fiqh Council and the World Health Organisation East Mediterranean Regional Office,

The Social breakdown that accompanies war creates ideal conditions for the Spread of HIV. In Ethiopis, the countryside is still littered with the relics of the 17-year civil war that helped fuel one of the worst AIDS epidemics in the region.

the Islamic Organisation for Medical Sciences successfully concluded its Seventh Islamic-medical Seminar, held to discuss the issue of:

AIDS-related Social Problems -an Islamic Perspective.

A host of distinguished medical practitioners and Islamic scholars attendedthe Seminar. Various aspects of this man-made tragedy which has swept the world and which threatens the future of humanity allover the world, were duly discussed.

But, despite the extent of the tragedy, very little change can be seen in public attitudes towards it, and very little effort is being directed towards eliminating the root behaviour patterns that lie behind the spread of AIDS. In the West, emphasis has almost totally been laid on safe sex, an approach which does not seem to be of much effect in curbing thedisease or limiting its spread.

However, although the spread of infection has stabilised and the rate of new cases has, for the time being, been reduced, no one can be sure what the future holds.

As Muslims, we are fortune to have in our culture and way of life the basic essential elements of an effective solution. Decency, modesty and virtu- ous sexual morality are vital factors in controlling the virus causing the AIDS epidemic and its spread. Figures published by the World Health Organisa- tion on the spread of AIDS in the world show very clearly that Islamic values and traditions, although not fully adhered to or respected, represent a strong and effective means of prevention against the spread of the virus in Muslim countries. Rates of infection in Muslim countries are far lower than those in non-Muslim ones, while infection is much lower also among Muslims living in non-Muslim countries.

It has been twelve years since the first case of AIDS was diagnosed. The toll has now risen to about 15 million cases world-wide, mostly south of the Sahara and in India, south-east Asia and America. It is estimated that by the year 2000 the number will reach between 35 and 40 million, leaving around 10 million children orphans. The result is countless complex social problems.

Several solutions have been put forward, with dire social, psychological and human consequences. Some advocate isolation of affected people, while others recommend that a married coupled should be separated if one of the spouses is an AIDS carrier. Our aim is to present the Islamic point of view on all these issues; for, we believe that Islam is a compassionate and humane religion.

Islam respects the value and humanity of man. Its outlook is holistic and comprehensive. It calls for the treatment of patients with care and sympathy. In a qudsi haddith, we read that God would ask: My servant, why have you not visited Me? The person would reply: How can I visit You, and You are the Lord of all mankind? God would say: Did you not know that so and so has fallen ill, and that if you were to visit him you would have found Me there?

The Messenger of God, God's peace and blessings upon him, has said: «No illness, depression or distress befalls a Muslim, even if a thorn prickles his skin, but would atone for his sins».

God welcomes with open arms those who repent, for as the Prophet Mohammed was reported to have said: All humans err and the best of them of them are those who repent.

To highlight these values and promote the role of religion in the protection of human life and human values all over the world, we are happy to publish this summary report on the Seminar's proceedings which will be published in full at a later date. It is hoped that this effort will be of use to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

This summary contains a brief description of the various Islamic views put forward by the participants with respect to all the issues discussed in the Seminar. Although no substitute for the full version of the proceedings, we nevertheless hope it will serve as an interim document and throw light on a number of vital aspects of this important issue which is of concern to us all.

We pray God that we have fulfilled our duty. All praise is due to God Al-mighty .

Dr.  Abdur-Rahman Abdullah al-'Awadi
Chairman: Islamic Organisaltion for Medical Sciences.