Zahid Majeed
Corona viruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, corona viruses cause respiratory tract infections are typically mild, such as some cases of the common cold (among other possible causes, predominantly rhinovirus ), though rarer forms such as SARS,MARS. Allah said in the Quran that “whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And he pardons much” [ash-Shoora 42:30]. Indeed – this calamity is punishment from Allah which came down upon us because of the increasing of sins, fitnah, disobedience and all the public displays of prohibited acts – but – it is also a ‘blessing’ for the one who believes. So let’s discuss why it’s a blessing:
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah rahimullah said: “A calamity that makes you turn to Allaah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allaah.” Now think of it – ever since this affliction and calamity befalled on earth – emaan of believers have rejuvenated. Hard hearts softened. Servants of Allah are spending more time in prayers, Tahajjud, dua, dhikir – begging Allah for help, for protection, for cure. They are attaining patience. Giving on charity. Keeping voluntary fasts and being mindful towards their Rabb. Isn’t it something good? How often we forget that we are going to die?
Instead of holding knife against one another, we need to take care of each other because we are all one Ummah, we are all servants of one Allah.
We engross ourselves in duniya and its enjoyment that we become heedless and we indulge into sins, haram and disobedience. So this calamity is a wakeup call for us to remember death and return back to Allah in repentance before it’s too late. This virus is spreading everywhere like fire. Righteous and unrighteous, rich and poor, brown and white, impious and pious, innocent and evil, all are being affected. So what makes us superior? Who gave us the right to boast and show arrogance? Indeed this calamity is teaching us to be humble and be gentle. One of the blessings of this affliction is that it makes selfish people realize that they need family and friends. We are all humans who need love. So instead of holding knife against one another, we need to take care of each other because we are all one Ummah, we are all servants of one Allah. There’s no certainty of who will get this virus and who won’t, i.e., a person might be taking all the precautions – washing hands, wearing masks etc. yet he may get this virus
(The author is student at Arabic Department at IUST Awantipora. Views are his own, [email protected])
