Investigate Islam

Your Gateway to Understanding Islam

The Impact of Islamic Teachings on the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted and Genetic Diseases

by ·

Islamic ethical and legal frameworks provide a comprehensive system of personal and public behavior that significantly contributes to the prevention of both sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and certain hereditary conditions. While these principles are religious in origin, many of their effects align with established scientific findings and modern public health goals.

1. Sexual Ethics and Disease Prevention

One of the core tenets of Islamic ethics is the regulation of sexual behavior within the confines of a lawful and monogamous marriage. From a public health perspective, this restriction significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), limiting sexual partners and practicing mutual fidelity are among the most effective methods for reducing the transmission of STDs. Islamic teachings, by discouraging casual and extramarital sexual relations, naturally support this preventive model.

Reference:

  • World Health Organization. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Retrieved from www.who.int

2. Promotion of Pre-Marital Health Screening

Many Islamic societies have implemented mandatory pre-marital medical screenings, particularly in areas with high rates of inherited conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or certain metabolic disorders. These screenings help identify genetic incompatibilities and provide couples with informed choices regarding reproduction.

This approach reflects a strong emphasis on both preventive healthcare and social responsibility, aiming to reduce the burden of genetic diseases in future generations.

Reference:

  • Alkuraya, F. S. (2013). Genetics and genomic medicine in Saudi Arabia. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine, 1(1), 1–9.

3. Prohibition of High-Risk Behaviors

Islamic teachings discourage behaviors considered high-risk for disease transmission, such as intravenous drug use, alcohol consumption (which often impairs judgment and leads to unsafe sexual practices), and commercial sex work. These behaviors are strongly associated with the spread of infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS.

The restriction or social disapproval of such behaviors contributes to lower prevalence rates of certain infections in many Muslim-majority countries, as noted in global epidemiological studies.

Reference:

4. Hygiene Practices and Public Health

Daily and routine hygiene practices, including regular washing, circumcision (in males), and strict cleanliness after bodily functions, are culturally embedded in Muslim societies. These habits contribute to lower transmission rates of certain bacterial and viral infections, particularly those affecting the urinary and reproductive systems.

Hygiene is widely recognized in medical literature as a fundamental preventive measure, and Islamic practice helps institutionalize it as part of everyday life.

Reference:

  • Aiello, A. E., Coulborn, R. M., Perez, V., & Larson, E. L. (2008). Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 98(8), 1372–1381.

5. Ethical Emphasis on Family Health

Islam places a high value on familial responsibility and the welfare of future generations. Genetic counseling and responsible reproductive decisions are encouraged to avoid unnecessary harm to offspring. This aligns closely with modern principles in bioethics, which emphasize autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence in reproductive health decisions.

In some Islamic countries, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is used in cases of inherited disorders to ensure the birth of healthy children, showing a blend of religious ethics and modern technology.

Reference:

  • Samadi, A. R., & Hashil, A. M. (2015). Ethical aspects of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: Islamic views. Middle East Fertility Society Journal, 20(2), 76–79.

Conclusion

Islamic teachings, while primarily spiritual and moral, have significant implications for individual and public health. By promoting sexual responsibility, genetic awareness, and hygienic practices, they align with—and often predate—modern strategies in disease prevention. The integration of these principles into health policy, particularly in Muslim-majority contexts, has shown measurable effects in reducing the spread of both sexually transmitted and genetic diseases.

References

  1. World Health Organization. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  2. Alkuraya, F. S. (2013). Genetics and genomic medicine in Saudi Arabia. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine, 1(1), 1–9.
  3. UNAIDS. (2019). Global AIDS Update.
  4. Aiello, A. E., Coulborn, R. M., Perez, V., & Larson, E. L. (2008). Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting. American Journal of Public Health, 98(8), 1372–1381.
  5. Samadi, A. R., & Hashil, A. M. (2015). Ethical aspects of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: Islamic views. Middle East Fertility Society Journal, 20(2), 76–79.

 

Post Views: 80

Tags: