An Islamic Perspective on Coronavirus
Coronavirus
Today mankind is rocked by a new disease, the COVID-19 coronavirus, which is spreading to a number of countries, affecting the lives of many people and causing death to others. When we hear something like this we should always remember that trials and tribulations are part of our life. This is something that Allah the Almighty informs us of and warns us so that when we are afflicted, we are to remember that it is Allah Who controls of our affairs and it is He Who will provide help.
Allah sends us tests to see how we will react and handle them. The Almighty says in the Koran, “Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When is the help of Allah?’ Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” (Sura Al-Baqarah, ayat 214).
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Sura Al-Baqarah, ayat 155).
A true believer is patient in trials, for as he knows that Allah will never leave him alone, nor will the Almighty burden him with a trial that is more than what he can handle. Sometimes we may think that something is bad for us due to our restricted view of life, but there is always something good in any situation. God tells us that although perhaps we hate something yet it is good for us; and that perhaps we love something but is bad for us. And Allah Knows, while we know not!
Islam teaches us to take the necessary means that we are able to do and then to rely upon Allah. Many of the health guidelines given by doctors in this situation are in fact regular practices for Muslims. Some of them are the following:
- Washing one’s hands: that is a part of the ablution that Muslims do before each prayer.
- Keeping general cleanliness: that is keeping our surroundings tidy as is narrated in one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): “Cleanliness is half of faith”.
- Covering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing. “Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sneezed, he would cover his mouth with his hand or a piece of cloth, suppressing the sound this way.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi).
- Observing quarantine in cases of viruses which can spread and infect others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) gave us instructions on what to do if there is an outbreak: “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.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
- Being positive and having an optimistic outlook. Remember the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” (Narrated by Muslim).
The new coronavirus is a reminder to us all of our weakness. Regardless of our social status or financial position, we are helpless. It is stated in the Koran that “mankind was created weak”.
Thus when any calamity befalls a Muslim, they must say “Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon” (Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return), and every moment address the Almighty and ask His protection. Blessed are those who turn to their Lord and know that He alone is the One Who grants relief from distress.
