Contagion and preventive measures: Theological ethics and the dilemma of conflicting values during pandemic

Abstract

This article delves into the intersection of Islamic theology and ethics within the classical discussions on contagion and preventive measures. It introduces three models that illuminate the intricate nature of contagion within the Ash'ari theological school. This demonstrates that reducing it solely to ethical subjectivism or voluntarism fails to capture its diverse and intricate essence. The article posits that despite the prevalent theological focus in these discussions, there exists an ethical framework presenting diverse perspectives that seemingly clash while determining the paramount value to safeguard and prioritize during pandemics. Contagion has been pivotal in discussions concerning plagues, bridging multiple disciplines like medicine, Islamic jurisprudence, theology, Sufism, ethics, as well as theoretical and applied considerations. Given this intricate nature of discussions regarding contagion and prevention, the article suggests an approach through "theological ethics," which addresses the moral dimensions within Islamic theology.