Religion is not merely spiritual knowledge, it extends to teaching mankind the right way to lead a life. It surpasses any limitations and often answers to tribulations, however in a metaphorical manner. The answer is always there, we just have to look deeper in search of the solution. The mankind has suddenly been bestowed with a pandemic which to, many, seems unfathomable to deal with.

Surprisingly enough the prescriptions of prevention from this pandemic has long been part of many religious practices already.

Islam

In Islam the concept of Wadu depicts the vital role of cleanliness which is done prior to prayers. The ritualistic cleansing follows a sequential order of head to toe – first hands, then mouth, nose, face, hair and ears, and finally their ankles and feet. Many of the health guidelines given by the Ministry of Health are in fact normal practices for Muslims, some of which are as follows:-

1. Washing Hands: a Muslim’s daily ritual of purity.

2. General Cleanliness: The Prophet (pbuh) mentioned cleanliness to be part of the faith. This includes personal hygiene as well as maintain a clean surrounding.

3. Covering Your Mouth When Sneezing: Prophet (pbuh) lead an exemplary life which serves as a reference to Muslims. The Prophet would always cover his mouth with a cloth during sneezing.

4. Quarantine in Times of Viruses Which Can Spread: Guidance from the Prophet also exists when it comes to an outbreak of a disease. The hadith mentions “If you hear that (the plague) is in a land, do not go there, and if it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave, fleeing from it”.

Christianity

We find a key teaching of Bible regarding hygiene and cleansing in Leviticus 11–15. It emphasizes the need for isolation and washing, which is now being repeatedly prescribed to avoid the Pandemic of COVID-19. “We cannot always avoid sickness but are we making the best use of our resources, both physically as well as spiritually? Are others put at risk by our own poor hygiene?” Christianity has witnessed pandemics for almost 200 years now. They have always responded with the ethic of care. The first hospitals in Europe during the time of plaque was built by the Christians to ensure treatment and care for all of those in need.

Hinduism

Cleanliness in Hinduism is significant in leading a religious life. Hindu manuscripts and holy sources have repeatedly stressed on the aspect of “Shaucha” which is segmented into external and internal cleanliness. By external it covers personal hygiene as well as the cleanliness of the environment in which one resides. Clay and water are considered elements that wash away impurities. There is a certain sequence of cleansing followed:

Cleaning hands with mud, clay or soap is advised after any form of excretion. The hands should be thoroughly cleaned until it is odor-free.
After hands are clean, the feet and mouth should also be properly cleansed.
Then, water should be taken in cupped hands to wet the face and wash the eyes.

The significance of personal cleansing also is seen in the use of Gangajal in the Hindu ritual. Equal importance is given to maintaining a clean surrounding, hence the Gangajal is seen to be sprinkled only after a space has been thoroughly cleaned. Hinduism makes cleanliness an obligation for a follower. Polluting the environment therefore is also considered an act of violating the religious obligations.

From ancient times the world has witnessed the inclination to religious teaching catalyzing the healing process. Religious faith guides mankind through its ethical implications of health care and hygienic lifestyle. The pandemic seems to bring us all closer to our faith. The role of religion in reaffirming these health beliefs and behaviors will strongly contribute towards the safety from this pandemic of the Covid-19. One can perceive this as a call to fall back on the practices of their faith. While houses of worship have been constrained, the individual’s faith extends far beyond a physical location. Supplication and contemplation deeper into ones faith explores the greater picture, providing the guidance through this pandemic.