Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 261
Malfuzat - Volume I 261 which already speaks of such verities that have been discovered now after toil, investigations and efforts spanning 1300 years. These are the intellectual miracles of the Holy Quran and our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The Arabic word for 'heart' is qalb, which refers to anything that causes a thing to circulate. Now we know that the circulation of blood depends on the heart. Present-day findings have only recently disclosed after a long period of effort and contemplation the phenomenon of blood circulation. However, in Islam the word qalb is already used for the heart, and has therefore not only alluded to this truth, but has also safeguarded it as well. The Causes of Plague Now I return to my actual topic. The second cause for the rise of this disease is uncleanliness, the third is noxious infection, the fourth is fever and the fifth is abscesses. Now there is a disagreement as to whether the primary symptom is the emergence of abscesses or fever. Doctors assert that the main symptom is fever, while the Greeks maintain that abscesses are the actual symptom. In my opinion, the view of the Greeks is correct because the Torah also speaks of abscesses. Fever, however, is necessary. At times, fever is most prevalent, but on other occasions, it is not. As a matter of fact, in certain instances the affected depart even before one goes down with fever. The medical field has established that a person can meet their end even before signs of fever arise. Therefore, the primary symptom is the emergence of abscesses, not of fever. If an incision is made and the pus from an abscess is removed, the fever one may be suffering from also subsides to the extent that the ailing person is restored to health. In any case, this disease is deadly and dreadful. This is the very reason that even though the administration is working for the welfare of its citizens with sincere sympathy and immense empathy, the government has still earned a bad name. For the government does not receive quick and timely reports and by the time infor- mation is received, what can be done? For, the ailing are out of the government's hands. Due to the goodwill and sympathy for humanity which God Almighty has Himself instilled in my heart, I have thought over the guidelines published by the government for those infected by the plague, and I can say without fear of reproach by any critic that these measures are most appropriate and effective. For example, to empty a home, or clear a neighbourhood when required, and keep the infected in quarantine are all absolutely appropriate and proper measures.