Preventive Measures of HIV/AIDS through Islamic Teachings

During the past two decades, HIV\AIDS has had a devastating impact on the health and social and economic well-being of populations in many parts of developing world. The continual spread of HIV\AIDS is an increasing global problem, with over 40 million people worldwide affected by the disease and over four million new infections every year. In addition to devastating the lives of individuals and families upon communities and countries. In 2003 alone, HIV\AIDS caused the death of more than three million people (All figures cited are based on UNAIDS, WHO, CDC data). That made it the number one killer among all infectious diseases. HIV\AIDS is a universal problem and must be recognized as such if it is to be fought effectively. However, often the poorest and most powerless are the most vulnerable from infection. Although prevalence rates in Muslim-majority countries often tends to be relatively low, rates are on the rise with the disease spreading from high risk groups such as injecting drug-users and sex-workers to the general population. Reasons for relatively low spread of HIV in Muslim are elaborate and convincing. Islam's greatest contribution to the HIV\AIDS epidemic is prevention. The Islamic position on morality, chastity and sanctity of marriage, needs to be shared with the world. Islam places a high-value on chaste behavior and vary clearly and obligatory prohibits extra marital and pre-marital relations. And moreover, Islam specifically prohibits adultery, homosexuality, and the use of intoxicants. Families must encourage and facilitate marriage, closing all doors that may lead to unlawful sex and pre-marital relationships. It is also necessary that prospective couples undergo HIV\AIDS testing before marriage. Muslims need to provide sex education and AIDS awareness programs from the perspective of the Qur'an and Sunnah to ensure that young receive this message within the framework of Islamic morals and values. The purpose of this paper is to highlight preventive techniques for HIWAIDS through Islamic teachings.