What have we learnt from Corona?- An Islamic Perspective

 

What have we learnt from Corona? – An Islamic perspective

(This article is an English translation of the Arabic article penned by Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Jamali, Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic Language for PG and Research, Jamal Muhammad College, Trichi, India published in ALBAAS monthly magazine of September 2021, Lucknow)

Preface:

Currently the world paces through a situation of fear, anxiety and displeasure due to the spreading of Corona Virus (covid-19) that has prevailed over for about a year and a half. People have been locked in their own houses and homes not allowed to go outside except for a dire cause. Trade activities have become idled, small shops and huge shopping malls have shut down and commercial activities between countries have been temporarily stopped. Almost many of the airline services, shipping services, and vehicle services all over the world has become dull. Programs and get-to-gathers, including the five daily namaz prayers in mosques all over the world, even in The Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled. Only a few were allowed to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The human mankind is in a state of confusion, frustrated what their future will be if this situation continues on. This small, microscopic creature, which cannot be seen by the bare eyes or be heard from or smell, has created in the minds of people living all over the world all types of frustration, anxiety and fear.

If this is the case. If this is the reality. If this small creature can influence us in these ways up to this much extend there must be something or any lessons in it that we, humans can learn or gain. Something that points out our weakness and our vulnerability before the strength of Allah the almighty. Despite men have found out many reasons and causes for disasters and epidemics, the study of these things must not deviate us from understanding and knowing the hidden reasons for these causes. The main master point in the break out of Corona Virus is that it has affected the whole world. It didn’t distinguish between the rich and the poor, the white and the black, the aalim and jahil, the healthy and the weak, the old and the young, or distinguish between the developed countries and the non-developed countries. It has effected everyone indiscriminately.

In this state of frustration, it is best to know and understand different viewpoints and perspectives around the matter of Corona Virus. Especially, the Islamic perspective. In this sense, this short article has been written for the purpose of bringing into light some of the lessons, morals that we can learn or otherwise we must learn from this destructive virus in an Islamic viewpoint.

Islamic Perspective of Virus

Indeed corona has no blood-flowing nerves, no identity, no nationality, no native place, no boundaries, no any passports or visa-s. It can travel around the world in just a tick of time without facing any obstructions in its way. It can travel around the world, influence the lives of people and it can- may Allah protect us- kill them. In reality, no matter to what great extend the human mankind has developed, and no matter up to what extend science and technologies have developed over the years, more and more highly skilled, highly dangerous, viruses that were not known before such as Ebola, HIV-AIDS, SARS(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and Corona have shown up. Surely this Corona Virus that has affected us currently, is not the last of them. There are many more to come. Whatsoever, this has pointed out to the lack of preparations of the world, and also to its vulnerability and weakness in facing these types of pandemics and epidemics that threatens humankind. Moreover, developed countries have not been able to research and discover vaccinations for prevention of these viruses.

These kinds of calamities and ordeals that happens to us must guide us to the way of Allah the almighty. To the way of seeking protection him, way of seeking forgiveness from him. No calamities have befall upon the world and no such have been got rid away except of a result of a sin. “And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad) are amongst them, nor will he punish them while they seek (Allah’s) forgiveness.” (8:33)

When we deeply go through this verse from The Holy Quran, we can see that this is an immense lesson, a reminder, a moral for people of all standards and levels. Because developed countries such as the U.S.A., France and Germany they all stand before this virus barehanded even though they have all the preparations, abilities and financial wealth, and vast experiences and skills that are needed in the field of facing health traumas. Despite all these material resources that they get hold of, they stand helplessly nothing to do before the strength of Allah the almighty, as Allah has said, “…it did not avail them in the least against (the will of) Allah...” (12:68)Also, the human mankind cannot discover any vaccinations and medicines against these pandemics except for the will of Allah. “And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but he; and if he intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His favor which he causes it to reach whomsoever of his slaves. He wills. And he is the oft-forgiving, the most merciful” (10:107)

Islamic guidance in facing pandemics

The Holy Quran talks about Allah’s punishment for those who neglects the right, and continue to commit sins. It reveals what punishment will be given to those sinners. Also, The Holy Quran brings into light, three things: 1) Warnings 2) Punishments in this world 3) Punishments in the hereafter. This viral disease is an immense catastrophe that has struck the planet earth. It is our responsibility as Muslims to ponder on this misfortune in the light of Quranic verses, for instance, “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. He pardons much.” (42:30)

Allah, our creator and our sustenance provider, informs through this verse that this ordeal which has made the world topsy–turvy and many other is the the result of actions of the human mankind. In this situation we have to adhere to patience, satisfaction, contentment, dua’a, degradation and humiliation before Allah the almighty. “Say: ‘Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector).’ And in Allah let the believers put their trust.”(9:51)

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), our guide, has once preached,” Surely the greatness of reward comes with the greatness of ordeal. If Allah has loved a society he will afflict them. Who has satisfied in this afflict, he will gain Allah’s satisfaction, who has discontented, he will gain Allah’s discontentment.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 2396) Also, it is must to take lawful actions with tawakkul (putting trust) on Allah as Muhammad pbuh has taught. “Oh the slaves of Allah, take medical treatments, indeed Allah has not created a disease without setting no medicines for it”. (Sunan Tirmidhi: 2038) These kinds of afflictions are divine signs, signs of warnings and reminders, “And we sent not the signs except to warn and to make them afraid (of destruction).”(17:59). So a sinner will fear and seek forgiveness, and a true believer will fear and his belief and faith will increase.

We also should hang on to frequent du’a to Allah so as to prevent all afflictions and torments from us. Some of the useful supplications, only useful if Allah wills, are the ones that are reported from the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Prophet used to make this du’a, “Oh Allah, I seek refuge in you from Leukoderma, Insanity, Leprosy, and evil diseases.”(Sunan Aboo Dawood: 1554)

He also sought the following du’a, “O Allah, I seek your pardon and my wellbeing in this world and the next. O Allah, I seek your pardon and my wellbeing in my religion, in my worldly affairs, in family and in my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and preserve me from anguish. O Allah, guard me from what is in front of me and behind me, from my left, and from my right, and from above me. I seek refuge in you from being struck from beneath me.” (Sunan Aboo Dawood: 5074)

Also it is must on us in these types of situations, to totally adhere to the instructions and guidance of local governments. It is also must on us not to exaggerate the disease and not to create a state of fear from it. Because frustrations and anxiety can weaken the immunity of some people, especially those who are affected by Chronic Diseases such as Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, or some dangerous diseases such as Cancer. We should co-operate and follow the advices of doctors and not to belittle the situation. Also we must comply to cleanliness and sanitization and to follow a healthy diet and many other necessary procedures. These guidance and instructions and procedures are not new things but are ancient, found in Quranic verses and hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). However with great remorse, many Muslims do not know these things and don’t practice them in their daily lives.

Lessons to be gained from Corona

The world faces new and new pandemics along its way over the time which threatens of destruction. In one time it was Plague, in another it was Cholera and in some periods of time it was Influenza, and now came Corona. In this situation, some of us are stuck by fear and some others turn to constant prayers, and some belittle this situation because of their powerful belief and faith. Whatsoever, it is must that we should learn and gain some lessons and morals from this calamity and to compare that with Islamic viewpoints so as to gain benefit from it and to change our views and perspectives of the world and to live with new conceptions.

The lessons and morals that are taught by corona are many. Some of the important ones are given below.

1)      Health is a great blessing

 

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health, and possessing provision for his day is as though he possessed the whole world.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 2346)

The blessings of Allah upon his slaves are magnificent and countless. “And if you would count the favors of Allah, never could you be able to count them. Truly, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most merciful.” (16:18) And from these blessings of Allah upon his slaves are three: security, health, and food. Upon these three things each and every societies around the world stands to confront the Corona pandemic, which Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had informed about 1400 years ago. In reality, the first lesson that has been practiced and implemented in these days, is family security, “security” of staying at home and among family members, preceded by the implementation of preventive and curative procedures and steps and providing medical supplies, that can heal the body which is related to the second blessing i.e. health. Then comes the significance of food by supply of provisions necessary for living. Indeed, it is as though this world and all that it constitutes of blessings and favors have been summoned for us as it is said in the above mentioned hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Therefore, the teachings and preachments of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has become a role model, in dealing and in facing crisis, and in ensuring wellbeing of others.

 

2)      Human mankind’s vulnerability before Allah’s strength.

 

The Corona Virus has exposed the weakness of humans before Allah’s strength and capabilities, and points out to us that over all those endowed with knowledge is the all-knowing (Allah). It has also taught us we have only given a bit of knowledge because if the little creature, which cannot be seen by the naked eyes, is capable of travelling from one edge of the world to the other despite of all cultural, geographical and historical differences,  in a matter of few hours, so what about the human strength? Surely he is weak no matter to what extend his authority, fame, and richness have risen to. Allah has created the human weak. “And man was created weak.” (4:28)

This weakness, lack of power and strength constitutes mental and physical weakness. By looking around him, one can understand this reality because his strength when compared to Allah’s strength totals to nothing.

 

3)      Hygiene care

 

Personal Hygiene can be defined as a sum of manners that the human comply to, and keen on following these manners to keep up his activeness, liveliness, health, his physical appearance, and to be respected by others. Therefore, Islam has ensured to keep up hygiene. “Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (2:222)

 

Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had constantly tempted his fellow companions to ensure their own hygiene and cleanliness in every aspect of life. “Clean your beards as thoroughly as possible for it is cleanliness. Cleanliness leads to faith, and faith with its people will eventually be in paradise.”(Majma al-Zawa’id: Vol.1, Pg. 632) He also said, “Whoever amongst you wakes up from sleep, he must not put his hand in the utensil till he has washed it (his hand) three times, for he does not know where his hand was during the night.” (Sahih Muslim: 450) Hadiths of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) of these types, indicates to the significance of cleanliness and hygiene in the lives of humans. Here, it will be adequate to point out that the WHO and health authorities of countries has issued guidance to keep up frequent cleanliness and sanitizing hands to kill germs and bacteria which hang on to our hands, as to fight Corona Virus.

 

4)      Quarantine

 

The Islamic guidance, in dealing with pandemics, strictly advises not to travel to any country or place where these exists and spread widely, and also not to exit from a country where it prevails. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “If you hear that plague has spread over a certain land do not go there. If it exists in a land where you are, do not go outside from that land escaping it.” (Sahih Muslim: 42330) So here, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has forbidden to go to any other land where the pandemic exists, and banned to exit from any country where it prevails and spreads widely. This procedure, this step we call it these days as ‘Quarantine’. This hadith that is mentioned above points out that Islam has preceded by this ‘quarantine’ years before. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had warned his society of mixing with those who are affected by infectious diseases saying, “Run away from those who are affected by Leprosy, as you run from Lion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5769)

 

In the situation, of worldly anxiety due to the spreading of Corona Virus and implementing necessary procedures to fight against it, one of the main steps we can take is remaining in our homes and quarantine. Experts and immunity professionals advice to monitor cleanliness and hygiene, to follow quarantine and to stay away from crowds as it is considered as an effective way to fight against Corona and generally, to prevent spreading of communicable diseases. Although our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was not in any manner a “traditional” expert in the cases regarding destructive diseases, he had provided great advices and guidance to stop and fight against many diseases such as Corona.

 

Conclusion

 

This short article comprehends some of the lessons and morals that we have learnt from the Corona Virus. Perhaps these lessons may vary according to the opinions of thinkers, scholars of the society and researchers. I have only jotted down some of the major points with pointing out some Quranic verses and adequate Prophetic hadiths

 Let’s hope for the best in the coming days, if Allah wills, if we strongly comply to the preaching and teachings of The Holy Quran and Sunnah of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the leader of the messengers, and also if we follow the instructions given by the concerned authorities till we completely reach within a few periods of time to the shore of security with Allah’s strength and his grace. AAMEEEN!!

 

References

·       The Holy Quran

·       Interpretation of the Meanings of The Noble Qur’an in the English language, Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali & Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Darussalam Publishers and Distributors, Riyadh 1996

·       Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail, Sahih al-Bukhari, Dar Ibn Katheer, Beirut, 2001

·       Al-Naisapoori, Muslim bin al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim, Dar Taibah for publications, Riyadh, 2006

·       Tirmidhi, Muhammad bin Eesa, Al Jamiul Kabeer, Dar Al Gharb Al Islamiyy, Beirut, 1996

·       As-Sijastani, Suleiman bin al-Asha’as Aboo Dawood, Sunan Abi Dawud, Printing Press, Deoband, 1996

·       Majma al-Zawa’id, Nur al-Din al-Haythami

 

Translated by: Adeeb Ismail (Undergraduate Student, Rouzathul Uloom Arabic College, Farook, Calicut)