As nations close their borders in a bid to stem the coronavirus pandemic, the world seems to have come to a sudden standstill. Laws have changed, plans have been cancelled and life has become restricted. Through one microscopic virus, Allah has humbled the most arrogant and softened even the hardest of hearts. As believers, our concern should always be how to please Allah, and how to navigate through life in accordance to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Below are a few points on how to handle the coronavirus situation.
1) Take medical precautions: We have been advised abundantly by doctors to gargle and wash our hands regularly. As believers, we eat with our hands and regularly washing them before eating and for whudu is a part of the Sunnah, and should be continued with the intention of following the Sunnah. Other advice like sanitization, social distancing and self isolation should be implemented. The law that enforces a nationwide lockdown must also be respected for Islam commands us to be law abiding citizens, provided that the law does not go against Islam.
2) Don’t panic: After turning to Allah and following medical advice, we cannot do anything further. Accept that, for it is a reality. Some individuals are going into a meltdown, panic buying items, hoarding and taking the situation to an extreme level. There is no need to panic or become paranoid. The most this virus can do is kill us but as believers, we should recognise that death is just a door. A student once mentioned to airport security that in Islam, we study what is up and down and we don’t worry about what is in between. The man became puzzled. The student explained that we study the grave and the hereafter, and this world is not our concern.
This is a succinct explanation of the reality of this life. We take precautions and engage in worldly activities but ultimately, this world is not our home. Believers submit to decree. If we pass away with coronavirus but Allah is pleased, then we have passed the test of this life. The reward will please us too. On the other hand, if we are saved from the coronavirus but pass away while Allah is displeased, then we have major problems. Thus, lift your gaze from this worldly life and look above and beyond. There is a hereafter and this world is not our home.
3) Understand the root problem: Shaykh Ilyaas Patel, Shaykh Abdul Hamid Ishaq and Shaykh Haroon Abbasomar have given pertinent advice on this matter. They mentioned that scientists and doctors speak of symptoms, but Islam informs us about the root problem. The Qur’an and Sunnah explains why Allah sends plagues or sicknesses, and how to tackle them. One cause for such calamities is oppression becoming rife within a community. We find that this has become a norm on various levels. Mistreating staff, families, vulnerable people and even animals all falls under the banner of oppression.
Another cause is immodesty. Adultery, pornography, masturbation, prostitution and illicit relationships have also become common in this Ummah. This is a greater concern than the virus itself, for this kills our imaan and ruins our hereafter. Our Deen has warned us that if we indulge in immodesty then sicknesses that our predecessors never heard of, will befall us.
4) Be a responsible citizen, be a responsible Ummati: In this pandemic, “be a responsible citizen” has become a catchphrase. Everyone is stressing on the importance of quarantine, self isolation and social distancing. Some are stating that to do otherwise and to flout the lockdown, is tantamount to murder. It is painful to consider that the Qur’an and Sunnah has advised us on many occasions to be responsible Ummatis and that flouting these laws and sinning will affect the entire Ummah.
When doctors advise us based on medical research, we respond so quickly. Our scholars call us tirelessly to Islam. They encourage us to worship and be righteous. They urge us to read Salah and if one person misses it, it affects the whole neighborhood. Yet many of us barely respond. Some claim, who are you to judge me? It’s my life. In this global pandemic, those same individuals understand the importance of global action to save lives and that we are all in this together. Yet when Islam informs us of our collective responsibility, they turn a blind eye.
Thus, in this pandemic consider your overall responsibility in the Ummah. Many households are consuming interest and indulging in a variety of sins. Avoid all sins and don’t put others in this Ummah at risk. Comply with the laws of Allah and the Sunnah, that is the best way to become responsible. For if we anger Allah then He can afflict us despite this lockdown. The root cause is the anger of Allah. Today it is the coronavirus. Tomorrow it could be another mutation or version, then what will do?
In the era of Nabi ﷺ, there were no doctors present in Madinah Munawwarah. Eventually, a doctor settled in the city but no one went to him for treatment. He became confused and eventually complained. He was informed that no one has a personal agenda against him, but they don’t come because they don’t need treatment. Everyone here follows Deen, the Sunnah and they recite masnoon duas. They eat well and exercise too. Therefore, Allah is keeping them healthy.
It is a part of our faith to recognise that illness and wellness are from Allah. Thus, take precautions but submit to decree. On the day of Judgement, Allah will not ask us how many times we sanitized our hands but He will question our worship and Salah. Of course, sanitize and be hygienic. But more importantly, don’t forget your religious duties in this pandemic because ultimately, that will matter most. May Allah guide us all, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه الله
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg on 18/03/2020 and 25/03/2020. To listen to the full audio, please click here and here.
