(the wife of the Prophet) that she asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about plague, and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) informed her saying, "Plague was a punishment which Allah used to send on whom He wished, but Allah made it a blessing for the believers. None (among the believers) remains patient in a land in which plague has broken out and considers that nothing will befall him except what Allah has ordained for him, but that Allah will grant him a reward similar to that of a martyr."
Hadith Commentary: Plague as Divine Mercy
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (5734) in the Book of Medicine contains profound wisdom regarding epidemics and divine decree. The Prophet (ﷺ) clarifies that what appears as punishment for some becomes mercy for believers through their patience and trust in Allah's decree.
Scholarly Interpretation
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that plague, while potentially a punishment for disbelievers, transforms into a means of spiritual elevation for believers. The key condition is remaining patient in the afflicted land while firmly believing that nothing befalls except by Allah's will (qadar).
Imam al-Nawawi emphasizes in Sharh Sahih Muslim that the martyr's reward is granted not for seeking death but for enduring the trial with proper intention and reliance upon Allah. This demonstrates Islam's balanced approach to epidemics: taking preventive measures while submitting to divine decree.
Practical Implications
This teaching establishes important principles for Muslims facing epidemics: fleeing from plague is prohibited if one resides in the affected area at its outbreak, as this demonstrates lack of trust in Allah's decree. However, preventive measures taken before an outbreak are permissible and encouraged.
The hadith teaches us to view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than mere calamities. The believer's perspective transforms potential punishment into divine mercy through proper understanding and submission.