How can Islam teach Muslims and non-Muslims about coping with a pandemic?
It is currently Ramadan, one of the most well known religious periods for Muslims. This year, amidst pandemic, the observations and celebrations are certainly different. In many communities up and down the country we won’t be seeing the usual sight of family and friends getting together for Iftar (breaking the fast), instead, families will be observing privately, in the safety of their homes.
Individuals and communities are coping with this new norm in different ways, such as utilising video technology to keep in touch with friends and family. Additionally, many are using this period to become even closer to their religion and allow the power of faith to help during times of hardship.
This week, we are delighted to have Moiza Butt from Manchester share with us how the principles of Islam can guide Muslims and non-Muslims alike, on how to respond and react to the pandemic. She shares her thoughts below in five key points.
1. Guidance on the plague. Firstly, it is important for us to know what our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) advised on how to deal with plague.
“If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.” (Sahih al-Bukhārῑ)
One of the best things we can do as Muslims is to turn to Allah SWT and make dua (supplication) for protection from COVID-19. It goes without saying, staying at home is the universally recognised action.
2. Giving charity (sadaqah) pushes away hardships. If you’re unable to give money, you can donate to food banks.
You can also help your neighbours and vulnerable people. You may have seen there are slips going round with neighbours’ names and numbers to see if anyone needs help with picking up shopping, a friendly phone call, posting mail or picking up urgent supplies.
Please try to shop responsibly and remember there are many who are struggling to buy basic food. Before you do a shop, take inventory on what you already have and try and plan your meals with common ingredients.
The Messenger of Allah, (Peace and blessings be upon him) says:" He is not a believer who eats his fill whilst his neighbour beside him goes hungry" (Al-Bukhari).
3. Look out for your loved ones. It is often said that charity starts at home and some of the more vulnerable in our communities may be feeling anxious, so let us not forget to check in with our loved ones and colleagues.
Most of us are not used to working from home for long periods of time and for many of us, we have not left the house in days, which can have a huge impact on our mental health. For many of us, Ramadan and Eid are the highlight of our year and this year, we may be unable to celebrate with our family and friends which can also leave us feeling low.
"Something as simple as listening to a colleague can help them turn their day around."
4. Use your time wisely. Most of us are now working from home and we have extra time and energy to do some of the things that may not be part of our daily routine. Use your time wisely, practice gratitude by composing a gratitude list for the things we can do today and things we can do in our normal daily life. Even though it may not seem like it, we have a lot of things to be grateful for right now (e.g job security, our homes, our loved ones).
5. Practice good hygiene. Again, it goes without saying that practicing good hygiene is the backbone of protecting yourself and those around you.
Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, if he wanted to eat or drink, he would first wash his hands and then eat or drink. (Sunan al-Nasā’ī)
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said: "Cleanliness is half of iman (faith).” (Sahih Muslim).
A huge thank you to Moiza for sharing her thoughts on this, there is so much we can learn from other religions. Last year she shared her thoughts on how her company was celebrating Ramadan, please read more here.