Islam & COVID-19

 

Islam and Covid-19

Islam being a complete way of life, does not leave us stranded at the time of crisis or a pandemic; instead, it shows us how to deal, act, react and pray. With the overflux of information on news and social media about Coronavirus (COVID-19), adults and children are overwhelmed, and emotions of stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. Listed below is some Islamic guidance for you to read and share.

Narrated by Saud (R):

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5728)

What should one do?

Keep yourself informed, take precautions but at the same time do not forget that nothing happens without the will of Allah (SubhanahuWata'Ala)

Jabir (R) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease, it is cured with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. (Sahih Muslim 2204)

Abu Huraira (R) reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

Nigella seed is a remedy for every disease except death. (Sahih Muslim 2215 a)

Narrated by Aisha (RA):

(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5640)

As a Neighbor:

Yesterday, a Muslim neighbor reflected the true spirit of Islam. This brother went door to door, putting a note on the doors, informing people of his phone number and address, and that he was willing to help the elderly or anyone in need of quarantining with picking up groceries, posting mail, or with any urgent help needed.

Abdullah bin Amr (R) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said :

"The companion, who is the best to Allah is the one who is best to his companion. And the neighbor that is the best to Allah is the one that is best to his neighbor." ( Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1944)

Narrated by `Aisha (R):

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Gabriel continued to recommend me about treating the neighbors Kindly and politely so much so that I thought he would order me to make them as my heirs."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 6014)

Compassion and Charity:

As Muslims, we need to be aware of the needs of others. Compassion and mercy are at the epicenter of Islam. Those who are well and not at a high risk of getting sick can help others in the community and their cities. As we see supermarkets running out of necessary supplies and food items, we as Muslims can help others (Muslims and non-Muslims alike). Charity is a way for protection against calamity, misfortune, and tragedy.

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik (R) that:

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother' or he said, 'for his neighbor, what he loves for himself.'"

(Sahih-Darussalam)

As a Parent:

It is vital to have open communication with your children. Younger children do not need all the details, but we should educate them about cleanliness, washing hands, and taking precautions. Minimizing media exposure will also help them not to be overwhelmed. Teenagers need to be taught that even if they may not show any symptoms, they can still spread the virus to the elders. Children also need to be reminded that as Muslims we do not ridicule, blame or mock any race, ethnicity or nation at the time of this hardship as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) forbade us to do that.

We need to remind our children of all the blessings that Allah has provided us. We need to tell them to be grateful to Him at all times and in all situations. Children need to be aware that despite school closures, we have online resources such as online Arabic courses, Quran courses for Kids, and Islamic Studies courses that help us stay home and study, as many children around the world do not have this privilege.

On Washing Hands:

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (R) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"When anyone of you wakes from sleep, let him not dip his hand in (the water he uses for) his Wudu' until he has washed it three times, for none of you knows where his hand spent the night."

Sahih (Darussalam)

May Allah help us find a cure for this illness and may Allah help the ones who are suffering and the ones who are in any difficulty. May Allah protect us, our families, our community, our cities, and our masjids.

Ameen.

It was narrated from Abu Huraira (R) that:

Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) used to seek refuge (in Allah) from the evil of what has been decreed, from misery, from the mockery of (triumphant) enemies, and from severe calamity. (Sahih Muslim 2707)

...   Narrated by Anas bin Malik (R):

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Plague is the cause of martyrdom of every Muslim (who dies because of it)."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 2830)