Editorial
Asim
Though its impact and risk are the same for all of us,
the Coronavirus pandemic doesn’t hold the same
meaning for everyone. For one group, it may be
retribution while for another a wake-up call and a blessing
in disguise. When asked about the epidemic, the blessed
Prophet a said, “It is an azab for those whom He
wishes among His servants and Allah sends
it as a mercy for the believers. There is no
place that is struck by an epidemic, then
he the believer quarantines in his
town, patient and hopeful of reward
knowing that nothing can afflict him
except that which is destined by Allah
but he will get equal to the reward of
a martyr” (Bukhari; Hadith al-Ghar).
The hadith advises us to be patient, to be
content with our fate, to humble ourselves and
repent to Him for our sins. Allah says, “Why then did they
not supplicate in humility when a calamity from Us came
upon them? Instead, their hearts were hardened and Satan
adorned for them what they were doing” (6:43). The ayah
indicates that the best prevention against hardening of the
heart is to supplicate in humility.
It is also a time to reflect on how fragile our relationships
really are. When anyone is infected, they must be
quarantined from even their loved ones who can no longer
provide the help and support they need to get through the
sickness. But Allah is always with us, waiting for us to
call out to Him for help.
This is the best way to welcome the blessed
month of Ramadan: in a state of humility,
repentance, and self-reflection.
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