Allah says in the Qur’an addressing Nabi ﷺ, “Did you not see those who left their homes in many thousands, fearing death? Then Allah said to them, “Die”; then He restored them to life. Indeed Allah is full of bounty to the people, but most of the people do not show gratitude” (Qur’an, 2:243).
This ayah was revealed regarding a group from the Bani Israel, consisting of roughly 10,000 individuals according to authentic narrations. A plague entered their city and fearing death, they collectively decided to escape to a valley situated between two mountains. Allah wanted to demonstrate His power and that no one can escape death. He sent two angels to stand at the ends of the mountains and they let out a loud cry. The entire group died instantly. When those who stayed behind in their homes heard of the incident, they hurried to the valley. To bury thousands of people would be a mammoth task, thus, they decided to build a barricade around the group instead. Eventually, their bodies decomposed to skeletons.
Years later, a Prophet of Allah named Hizqil or Ezekiel (AS) passed by this location and became shocked at the sight of skeletons, bones and traces of human life. Allah revealed to him their story and what had transpired. The people in his community were unwilling to believe in life after death. In order to inspire them to believe, he made dua to Allah to bring these people back to life as an example for his community. Allah accepted his request and instructed him to say to the bones, “O bones, old and worn, Allah commands you to gather together.” The bones obeyed and began to join together.
Allah then commanded Nabi Ezekiel (AS) to address them saying, “O bones, Allah commands you to wear your muscles, flesh, nerves and skin.” The skeletons immediately dressed themselves and became complete corpses. Thereafter, Nabi Ezekiel (AS) said, “O souls, Allah commands you to return to your respective bodies you once inhabited.” At this point, the 10,000 corpses stood up as living beings and collectively recited, “Glory be to You O Allah, there is no deity except You.” The community of Ezekiel (AS) watched in amazement as the reality of resurrection was proven before their very own eyes (recorded in Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Maariful Qur’an, Vol. 1, page 615).
This inident contains many lessons for us all. It teaches us that we must develop yaqeen (conviction) in resurrection after death. Death is decreed and it will arrive at an appointed time. A plague does not have the power to hasten it nor slow it down, for all life events and occurrences in this world are subject to decree, not vice versa. This understanding does not permit us to be reckless and disobey medical advice. We have a duty to take care of ourselves, exercise precaution and abide by the law of the land. However, in doing so, recognise that you cannot escape death. Allah says, “Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you were in fortified towers” (Qur’an, 4:78). The mention of fortified towers indicates that no matter how much you self isolate or practise social distancing, what is decreed will still reach you. Thus, do not fear it. Instead, prepare for it. May Allah enable us to do so, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه الله
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 27/03/2020. To listen to the full audio, please click here.
