Combat HIV/AIDS

Islam’s greatest contribution to the HIV/AIDS epidemic is prevention. The Islamic position on morality, chastity and the sanctity of marriage, needs to be shared with the world.

HIV/AIDS awareness programs and sex education are increasingly being introduced in public schools, exposing young people to preventative strategies aimed at safe sex. Muslims need to provide sex education and AIDS awareness programs from the perspective of the Qur`an and Sunnah to ensure that youth receive this message within the framework of Islamic morals and values.

Two recent studies conducted on HIV/AIDS in Muslims countries both concluded that awareness programs must be located within the social and religious center of each Muslim community—the mosque.

Muslim community leaders, religious scholars and teachers are vital educators in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. Muslims need to understand the teachings of Islam, impart it to their families and children, and share it with their wider community.

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. HIV/AIDS is a harsh reality and prevention is certainly better because no cure has yet been found (Najma Mohamed, 2005)