Corona Virus and Islam, COVID-19

(2 min read)

The recent wave of Corona virus has been received in a very mixed way by the masses of Pakistan. Some were very cautious of the pandemic and isolated themselves but majority of the people are still seen roaming around in the streets and markets.

A barber at a hairdressing facility in Multan mentioned "Sir ye kia hona hai virus se bhala bass imaan kamzor hain logon k" (This virus isn't going to hurt anyways, we just lack faith in Almighty). In the neighborhood, a mosque was getting empty because of the corona-virus fear and the Congregation preachers (تبلیغی جماعت)  started going door to door to invite people for a congregation convincing them that it should not be fear. A fifteen years old boy playing cricket on the street, when told to isolate and not to move around in the streets, mentioned: it's just a propaganda they (the western lobby) wants to isolate us and they tell us not to shake hands even, how can we promote love and peace then?

Well after a small research, we decided to compile a few Islamic references to support the governments and the scientists out there trying hard to fight this virus and convince the masses to take it seriously. 

Faith in Allah is the foundation of our religion but there is a difference between faith and a blindfold. We see this in the following reference quoted in the following tweet : 

“If you hear that it (the plague) is in a land, do not go there, and if it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave, fleeing from it.” - 
Al-Bukhaari (5739) and Muslim (2219), is a saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) promoting the concept of isolation during the time of such isolation. 

The Awqaf in Kuwait and several other renowned Islamic scholars advised the mosques to announce as per the Azaan calling,  "Al Salat Fi Beyootikum” (pray at home/pray where you are).

The government is trying hard and pursuing people to stay at home and numerous provincial and federal orders have been issued so far. Surah Nisa in Al-Quran mentions "Believers! obey God, the Messenger and the rulers from among you." (3:59)

In light of this, we should all obey the commandments of our government and act as socially responsible citizens to prevent further chaos and survive this pandemic.