Originally written six centuries ago by the esteemed scholar and judge Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Merits of the Plague is the preeminent meditation on epidemics from the Islamic world, now available in English for the first time. Al-Asqalani, a survivor of the bubonic plague who lost three children to it, offers a profound historical and theological examination of these catastrophes. He explores the origins of plagues, from the Prophet Muhammad's era to the Black Death, reflecting on God's will, while vividly chronicling the fear, isolation, economic disruption, political failures, and crises of faith experienced during his own time. This Penguin Classic weaves together historical accounts, religious narratives, medical insights, and personal anecdotes, providing a unique lens through which to understand human resilience in the face of widespread suffering.

Why You Should Read?

• Gain unique historical and theological perspectives on pandemics from a medieval Islamic scholar.
• Explore universal themes of fear, faith, and compassion in times of crisis, relevant across centuries.
• Access a landmark work of Islamic thought, translated into English for the first time.
• Reflect on human suffering and the enduring message of hope and collective care.