There is a famous saying, “prevention is better than cure”, but most people realise it when it is too late. Many people suffer from various diseases due to their own carelessness and negligence; whereas, it is quite possible to avoid those diseases by observing a little precaution. These people regret and struggle extensively after becoming ill, but sometimes it gets too late and then no medicine proves to be beneficial. With the intention of the well-wishing of Muslims, a few preventive measures are mentioned in this topic; employing these measures will hopefully facilitate to remain protected against various diseases.
The benefits of prevention and precaution
1. It has been observed that prevention works wonders where medicines fail.
2. If a new cloth is washed even once, neither it remains in its previous glittering condition nor does it maintain its previous value. After recovering from a disease through medicines, a human body is like washed clothes. Therefore, if possible, it is far wise to carry out treatment through diet and prevention rather than medicines. Medicines also have their side effects.
Na-samajh beemar ko amrat bhi zahar aamayz hay
Sach yehi hay sau dawa ki aik dawa perhayz hay
(Faizan-e-Sunnat [Urdu], pp. 620)
3. Having the habit of prevention, adopting a careful lifestyle and eating less than appetite lead to quite an ease in the old age.
4. People having the habit of prevention and carefulness remain safe from various diseases which saves their wealth and time from being wasted. Moreover, their family members also get protected from distress and difficulties.
5. It is impossible to avoid some diseases but through prevention, their intensity gets reduced and their treatment becomes easy.
19 Beneficial precautions for human health
1. Make a habit of washing your hands with soap after different tasks, especially before and after a meal and after Istinja [cleansing after excretion].
2. Drink mineral or boiled water.
3. Different beverages available in the market, especially soft drinks, should be totally avoided. Do not deceive yourself, being satisfied by having them very rarely or in a very little quantity.
4. Make your mindset to avoid for the lifetime, Bazaar’s food (substandard food), burgers sold on handcarts and other places, Chana-chaat[1], and other similar items.
5. As far as possible, try not to use plastic crockery for eating and drinking. According to a report, plastic granules are produced by melting used syringes and other medical waste of hospitals, and these substandard plastic granules are also used to produce plastic crockery, toys, etc.
6. Keep the food items covered.
7. Particularly maintain personal hygiene; if possible, have a bath daily.
8. Avoid being treated with injection as far as possible; if it is necessary, use without fail a new syringe.
9. Do not use others’ razor, toothbrush, towel, etc.
10. Do not let water accumulate around your house. Use anti-mosquito spray over the ponds and fill the pits with earth.
11. Cover the doors and windows of your house with wire meshes.
12. Use mosquito net if you happen to sleep under the open sky.
13. Keep dustbin duly covered.
14. Dispose of garbage properly.
15. If a blood transfusion is required due to an illness, accident, etc., have it carried out through an authentic blood bank only.
16. Do not have tattoos done on your body.
17. Also, adhere to the hygienic principles while having ears and nose of girls pierced for wearing jewellery.
18. If possible, dry the clothes in the sun after washing them.
19. Wash patient’s clothes in warm water and after drying them, iron them from inner and outer [i.e. both] sides.
May Allah Almighty bless us with Taufeeq to adopt a cautious lifestyle, and use our health and strength in worshipping Him!
اٰمِيۡن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الۡاَمِيۡن صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيۡهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم
Tang-dasti ager na ho Saalik
Tandrusti hazaar na’mat hay
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