Are We Responsible for Spreading Communicable Diseases?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
If someone intentionally transmits a virus to an elderly person, knowing it could lead to their death, and the elderly person dies, are they considered a murderer in Islam? If not, is it sinful, and how should they repent?
Answer
Accountability for Intentional Harm Leading to Death
Intentionally causing harm that leads to another person’s death is a grave sin. If someone knowingly transmits a virus to an elderly person, aware of the potential fatal outcome, this act can be equated with intentional killing (qatl al-‘amd). Allah (Most High) says:
“And whoever kills a believer intentionally, their recompense is Hell, wherein they will abide eternally. Allah has become angry with them, has cursed them, and has prepared for them a great punishment.” [Quran, 4:93]
Therefore, such an individual would be considered a murderer in Islamic law, bearing full responsibility for the death.
The Gravity of the Sin and the Path to Repentance
Committing murder is among the gravest sins in Islam, necessitating sincere repentance (tawba). The conditions for genuine repentance are:
- Remorse: Feeling deep regret and sorrow for the sin committed.
- Immediate Cessation: Stopping the sinful behavior immediately.
- Firm Resolution: Resolving never to commit the sin again.
- Restoration: Restore the rights of those who had been wronged. [Nawawi, Riyad al-Salihin]
Additionally, the individual must seek forgiveness from the deceased’s family and offer compensation (diyya) as Islamic law prescribes. This act of restitution is crucial in seeking Allah’s forgiveness. [Nawawi, Minhaj al-Talibin]
Moving Forward After Repentance
After fulfilling the conditions of repentance and making amends, the individual should engage in righteous deeds, such as giving charity on behalf of the deceased, to seek Allah’s mercy. Allah (Most High) says:
“Except for those who repent, believe, and do righteous work. For them, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran, 25:70]
Conclusion
Intentionally transmitting a virus leading to someone’s death is considered murder in Islam, carrying severe worldly and spiritual consequences. Sincere repentance, seeking forgiveness from the deceased’s family, and making amends are essential steps toward seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
And Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
