In the 7th century during the Caliphate of Umar (RA), the plague of Amwas/Emmaus broke out in the town of Amwas, Palestine. It led to the demise of roughly 30,000 individuals and the martyrdom of hundreds of Sahaaba (RA). When the epidemic grew severe, Umar (RA) sent Abu Ubaidah ibn Al-Jarrah (RA) a letter, advising him to leave the area. But he refused, saying that I would rather stay here. If the plague afflicts me, I will pass away as a martyr. Shortly after, Abu Ubaidah ibn Al-Jarrah (RA) passed away. Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA) succeeded him as the leader. His son was afflicted with the plague and passed away. Mu’adh (RA) made dua to Allah to be blessed with martyrdom through the plague. Blisters began appearing on his hand and shortly after, he passed away (recorded in Ahmad).
Nabi ﷺ has given the glad tidings of martyrdom for a believer who resides in a land afflicted by the plague, remains patient and dies (Bukhari). The Sahaaba (RA) were eager to be blessed with martyrdom and they had yaqeen (conviction) in the words of Nabi ﷺ. Due to this, they never feared plagues. Rather, it was desired, for the hereafter was more important to them than this temporary abode. They saw a bargain and they sought it.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused worldwide fear. Fearing excessively is a sign of weak imaan and an unstable relationship with Allah. What are we so afraid of? Have we become so accustomed to the luxuries of life, that death scares us? Surely, one who exerts great effort in the path of Allah will look forward to meeting Him, so why are we so afraid? The reality is, many of us know deep down that we are not ready to die. The idea of contracting the virus and potentially dying from it terrifies us. Whereas the companions desired it like we desire life.
Thus, reflect. Of course, take your precautions and pray for the best. But thereafter if an excessive fear of contracting the virus clouds your vision, then know that you’ve restricted your vision way too much to this worldly life. Look ahead, there is a hereafter waiting for you. Let this pandemic serve as an excuse to remember it and work harder towards it, for ready or not, you will reach it one day. May Allah grant us the ability, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه الله
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 30/03/2020. To listen to the full audio, please click here.
