Nabi ﷺ said “Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them” (recorded in Sunan Ibn Maajah, 4019). The lesson we can derive from this Hadith is very obvious but unfortunately, few take heed. If a nation becomes shameless, Allah causes illnesses and diseases to descend upon them. We are currently facing this situation.
To curb the spread of coronavirus, we must collectively adopt modesty. We are constantly told to save lives in this pandemic by adopting various measures. But we must remember, we do not have the power to save lives. Death is preordained. When the time comes, Allah will use any excuse to bring His slaves back to Him. This may be an illness, an accident or natural causes. Whatever the excuse, a person will pass away when decreed. It is not in our hands to save the lives of others, as we cannot change decree. But we can curb the spread by avoiding immodesty and adopting piety. These are the teachings and guidelines set by Nabi ﷺ.
On the other hand, we have doctors and scientists advising us on how to curb the spread. For example, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has given guidelines based on scientific research. They have suggested wearing a mask and to practice social distancing. But if a mask works in preventing the virus, why do we need to distance? And if social distancing works, why do we need masks? And if both work, why do we need a lockdown? In some countries, it has become compulsory. We must follow the law, even if we disagree. If it’s not the law, it’s still permissible to follow. But in doing so, don’t lose the ability to think for yourself.
Ultimately, we are humans and can make mistakes. In this pandemic alone, we have seen experts repeatedly changing their opinions due to new research. They are constantly learning and therefore, changing course. Initially, they said the virus is not airborne but now recent research has proven otherwise. In South Africa in religious gatherings, we are expected to social distance. But we are allowed to sit shoulder to shoulder in a fully loaded taxi without distancing, provided that the windows are open. However, in the winter that could cause the common cold or pneumonia. Families are not permitted to gather in their homes, but they can gather and travel together in a taxi. This is the nature of humans and their laws. Regardless of what they say, there is a chance it could be wrong.
Whereas the solutions shared by Nabi ﷺ are directly from Allah. There can be no mistake in this, it is 100% correct. And that solution is to avoid immodesty. Some people strictly follow WHO guidelines. They become upset if you do not wear a mask in their presence or stand at a distance. To follow WHO is their choice. But they should ask themselves, how much importance do we give to what Nabi ﷺ has advised? We are strict on following WHO, why are we so lenient in following Deen?
Thus, we must reflect and change. By all means, follow the WHO guidelines if you wish. But do not forget your Nabi ﷺ. To curb the spread, adopt modesty in how you dress, talk and walk. Even what we view on our phones and what we hear on the radio, should be in line with the laws of modesty. Some of us have close ties to non mehram colleagues, friends or relatives. Segregation is often omitted in family functions and in-laws mix freely. As the days elapse, Islamic schools are slowly losing their Islamic values. Teachers mix freely and students adopt that approach. All of this is discouraged in Islam. Avoid it and turn to Allah instead. He will then restore peace in our lands. But if we choose to be irresponsible believers, then we have no one to blame but our own selves. May Allah grant us the ability to understand, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 15/07/20 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
