Palgue: Science behind the Veil – Morality By Dr. Inamullah Khan Plagueis an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, Yersina pestis transmitted to humans from rats by means of infected flea bites. The causative bacterium of plague was described and cultured by Alexandre Yersin in Hong Kong in 1894, after which transmission of bacteria from rodents by flea bites was discovered by Jean-Paul Simond in 1898. Effective treatment with antiserum was initiated in 1896, but this therapy was supplanted by sulphonamides in the 1930s and by streptomycin starting in 1947 [1].Plague has high fatality rate without treatment. It has occurred in three huge pandemics since the 6th century with millions of deaths and numerous smaller epidemics and sporadic cases. Referring to specific clinical symptoms of pulmonary plague the disease became known as the Black Death [2]. The Apocalypse had recognized plague as the archetypal divine curse, 'the power to kill over a fourth of the earth [3]. The exact nature of the disease was not known until 18 to 19 th century. The disease can easily be transmitted from one person to another. However, in typical cases, the infection may trigger body immune system and the previously exposed person may get resistant and immunity to the disease. Morality:In a narration of Muslim & Bukahari (the tow authentic collection ‘Ahadis’ sayings of prophet Mohammed peace be upon him) have recorded that prophet Muhammad said, “people should not enter plague affected area from outside nor the inhabitants of that area are permitted to leave the disease stricken area for the purpose of flying from death”[4]. In another narration from Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said “The plague is a calamity (or a punishment) that was sent upon the Children of Israel, or upon those who came before you. If you hear of it in some land, do not go there, and if it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave, fleeing from it.” [5]Synthesizing the instructions given in the above saying, one can easily find a golden advice for the followers of Islam. On one side the ruling of prophet encourages brother Muslims to stay inside the affected area and be present for the service of humanity, and on the other side there is philosophy of life for brother Muslims outside the affected area to be saved from disease infection. People, who once contract the disease and are cured, get immunity against this disease. That is the why the Prophet of Mercy advised his DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.31886.97608