Voice of British Muslim Women

Iffat Mirza, Raynes Park, London

Shakespeare’s Henry V famously proclaims:

‘But we in it shall be rememberèd—

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he today that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,’[1]

The need for unity in a time of crisis has never been questioned. Though in Shakespeare’s rendition of Henry V he declares these words on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt, I believe they are most applicable in facing the Coronavirus pandemic. The need for unity and consideration of our countrymen as our brothers and sisters is indeed the only way that we can confront Covid-19. Sacrifice is demanded of each and every one of us, and it is only right that everyone adheres.

Truly, no experience in my life could compare to that of the past few weeks. Never in my life have I witnessed queues extending to the car park of a supermarket nor have I ever seen schools closed down. Indeed, such times are a great cause for panic but to see humanity unite in times like this is not only necessary for the time being, but is something that should open our eyes forever more.

Humans are weak – but we are certainly stronger together. Despite our political leanings and views, moments such as this remind us that the role of the government is to lead its people. However, to do so they require loyal followers. It is heart-warming to see in times like this political leaders across the spectrum are supporting the government and standing by 10 Downing Street in order to face this pandemic with as much force and determination as possible. Now is not the time to pick fights and it is certainly not the time to put one’s own selfish desires above those of the nation.

Indeed, the Holy Qur’an, the highest source of authority in Islam teaches: ‘O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you. And if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you are believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most commendable in the end.’[2]

The Holy Qur’an categorically states that citizens must obey their leaders. We often discuss the responsibilities that leaders have in order to protect the citizens but we must recognise that as citizens we also have a responsibility to accept the will of the government and take heed. Therefore, when the Prime Minister tells us to ‘stay at home’, it is our moral duty to stay at home.

The opening words of the book Noah’s Ark by the Promised Messiah (may peace be upon him) address a very similar situation where the plague of the 19^th century blighted British India. In it, the Promised Messiah announces: ‘Gratitude is due to the eminent British government who, showing kindness to its subjects, has once again advised inoculation against the plague, and has undertaken the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of rupees for the welfare of the servants of God. In truth, it is the duty of wise subjects to welcome this undertaking with gratefulness.’[3]

Though we unfortunately do not have a vaccine for COVID-19 as yet, we should certainly take heed of what solutions and advice the government can offer us now. We must remember that the advice is for our own good and this virus can only be defeated if we unite against it, and that means each and every one fulfils their part. We cannot sincerely thank our NHS staff, our delivery drivers, our teachers, our supermarket workers, all whilst living our lives as if nothing needs to change. We must bear our part of the sacrifice so that theirs may be lessened.

We cannot compromise on unity in times like this, or indeed any other struggle the nation may face.

[1] Henry V William Shakespeare Act IV Scene iii

[2] Chapter 4 Verse The Holy Qur’an, translated by Hazrat Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib (ra)

[3] Noah’s Ark, The Promised Messiah (as) page 1