CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Your World Today, Mufti Yusuf Moosagie
    Wednesday, 4:05 pm - 5:00 pm
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Islam and People with Disabilities

Despite efforts of experts and people with disabilities, the majority of people still look at disability as something to be ashamed of or to hide, something to get rid of or to be ridiculed – including many Muslims.

The culture and wrong interpretations of religion shape the view of some Muslims on disability which often leads to misconceptions and discrimination against the disabled.

Some Muslims believe disability is Allah’s punishment or the result of black magic, due to which they either refuse treatment and special help or fall into shirk by using witchcraft as cure.

However, just like in so many other cases, such behaviours do not at all represent the real teachings and values of Islam.

Islam’s View on Disability

Islam teaches us that humans are created different. It’s the beauty of Allah’s creation that we’re not the same – in colour, mentality, and abilities, so we need to cooperate and learn from each other.

As Allah says:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you might get to know one another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous. Allah is All-Knowledgeable, All-Aware. [Al Hujurat 49: 13]

In the eyes of Allah, humans are all equal; the only thing that makes one better than the other is the individual’s consciousness of Allah (taqwa). And, in order to develop and maintain taqwa, Allah continuously tests us. Thus, tests are not Allah’s punishments as stated in the Quran,

وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ

“Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good.” [Al Maida 5: 48]

Tests come in different ways. Some might be tested by their wealth, others by unpleasant or even painful experiences, and others by their health and condition – such as having a disability.

Islam believes disability is a natural part of being a human; it’s neither a blessing nor a punishment. It assumes that people with disability “have strength and resources for their own empowerment” and emphasizes these strengths, but acknowledges their disability; and thus encourages Muslims to be emphatic and caring (but not overprotective) with others and assist them whenever they need help.

Allah orders us to never look down, label, or ridicule others – such as people with disabilities – because “perhaps they may be better than them” [Al Hujurat 49: 11]

According to Islam, integrating disabled people into the society is crucial in regards to their emotional and mental well-being.

For a successful integration, it encourages us to have empathy and a sense of care for each other and to treat disabled people as being part and parcel of our society.

Therefore, Islam grants them rights while assisting them in their needs.

In Islam, disabled people have the right to be respected and enjoy social justice; they are to be provided with basic needs such as food and clothes and receive treatment and rehabilitation.

Disabled people in a country where the Shariah rules might receive portion from the zakat, and certain religious duties might be reduced or waived completely due to their condition.

At the same time, our beautiful religion encourages assisting the disabled to carry out their duties.

They must be included in the life of the family as a full member, attend celebration on holidays, receive proper Islamic education, and even be able to marry – obviously while considering their abilities.

 

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Supporting Elderly Without Family – Part 5

Supporting Elderly Without Family – Part 5

Community Responsibility Towards Elderly Quick Recap - Youth’s Duty Towards Elders Islam teaches that youth must honour, respect, and serve elders as part of their faith. The Prophet ﷺ said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our...

read more
Youth’s Duty Towards Elders – Part 4

Youth’s Duty Towards Elders – Part 4

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - Addressing the Needs of Elders in the Community Caring for elders is a central responsibility in Islam, emphasized in both the Qur’an and Sunnah. As people age, they face physical, emotional, and spiritual...

read more
Addressing the Needs of Elders – Part 3

Addressing the Needs of Elders – Part 3

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - Elders as a Source of Wisdom and Guidance In Islam, elders are far more than just recipients of care; they are invaluable living libraries of wisdom and guidance for the entire community. Their long lives, filled...

read more
A  Source of Wisdom and Guidance – Part 2

A Source of Wisdom and Guidance – Part 2

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - A Divine Command and a Global Commitment The International Day of Older Persons (October 1st) is a global initiative to honor elders and address the challenges of aging. For Muslims, this modern call to action...

read more
A Divine Command and a Global Commitment – Part 1

A Divine Command and a Global Commitment – Part 1

Community Responsibility Towards Elders A Divine Command and a Global Commitment October 1st - International Day of Older Persons Every year on October 1st, the world observes the International Day of Older Persons. Established by the United Nations in 1990, this day...

read more
The Quest for a World Without Nuclear Weapons – Part 5

The Quest for a World Without Nuclear Weapons – Part 5

Nuclear Weapons Quick Recap - who has nuclear weapons and the double standards Nine countries are known or believed to have nuclear weapons. The United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom are officially recognized under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

1 Comment

  1. Ahmed Jassat

    Please come visit Greenside Maderressa as we are the first to have a special needs class integrated with maderressa