PoriPurno News Desk | August 08, 2025
In a recent conversation, a modern-minded sister posed a challenging question:
“If a fire breaks out simultaneously in a hospital and a mosque, which fire would you try to extinguish first?”
This sister, who leans towards atheistic views and is an ardent admirer of Humayun Azad, seemed intent on putting me in a difficult position, especially knowing I regularly perform Salah (prayers).
I responded calmly, “In my 25 years of life, I have heard of many fires, but never of two such critical places catching fire simultaneously. If it ever happens, I would try to extinguish the hospital fire first.”
She asked, “Why not the mosque first?”
I explained, “Those inside the mosque are generally healthy and able-bodied. They can escape quickly or even work together to put out the fire. But in a hospital, there are many vulnerable people — children, pregnant women, the disabled — many without the capacity to flee on their own. Saving them is a greater priority.”
She smirked and said, “Well then, you are not a true Muslim.”
In a soft voice, I replied, “I don’t know if I am a true Muslim or not, but the lesson that the hospital fire deserves to be extinguished first — that I have learned from the mosque itself.”
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Islamic Perspective on Prioritizing Human Life
This thoughtful answer echoes the deep Islamic teaching that values human life and compassion above all. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of saving it:
﴿وَمَن أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا﴾
“…and whoever saves one [life] – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
— Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also taught mercy and prioritizing care for the vulnerable:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both. Strive to do that which will benefit you, seek help from Allah, and do not give up.”
— Sahih Muslim 2664
This strength includes caring for those unable to protect themselves, like patients in a hospital. The lesson learned “from the mosque” highlights that Islam does not merely demand ritual worship but also teaches practical compassion and justice.
Reflections on Faith and Actions
Faith is not measured by blind labels or rigid assumptions about what a ‘true Muslim’ should say or do. It is tested by one’s actions, especially in critical moments involving human dignity and life. True Islamic faith embraces wisdom, mercy, and prioritizing the helpless.
The answer that the hospital fire must be extinguished first is not only practical but profoundly Islamic — a reflection of the Quranic ethos to preserve life and protect the vulnerable.
Conclusion
In a world filled with quick judgments, it is vital to remember the compassionate core of Islam. As the Quran guides us:
﴿إِنَّ اللّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالإِحْسَانِ﴾
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and good conduct.”
— Surah An-Nahl 16:90
This story is a reminder that true faith shines through thoughtful compassion, not superficial labels.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) guide us all to understand and practice the true spirit of Islam. Ameen.
Written by Mahbub Osmane
Islamic Thinker, Writer & Founder of PoriPurno.com
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