Fezia Haq, London
As a result of the coronavirus crisis, we find ourselves socially distancing with the intention to contain this pandemic. We are doing what we can to keep each other safe, as well as ourselves. We are refraining from meeting our loved ones at this tough time.
Exceptionally so as these precautionary measures are now overlapping with the holy month of Ramadan this year. A month of fasting, enhancing our prayers, and busying ourselves in good works is now being observed in an unfamiliar setting. Where once people used to invite or send over food to break the fast together, this meritorious act will now be confined to the home. Where once people made extra effort to Pray at mosques, this year we will offer them in household congregation at home. Where once we used this time to proactively serve our fellow beings, this year our services will have to take a different form.
Notably, the first 10 days of Ramadan are known as the ‘days of mercy’. Especially in these 10 days, we can beseech and absorb the mercy, grace and blessings of God Almighty. Since we are social creatures, and fulfilling the rights of mankind comes next to serving God, one kind of mercy is the one we emit. As is mentioned in the Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him): ‘One who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.’
What better example of diffusing this virtue than the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) himself. Having been given the appellation a mercy for all peoples in the Holy Qur’an, the Prophet taught the best morals, characteristics and qualities. We find that he was seen as the most generous amongst people, but his generosity would reach its climax in this month, with an increase in charity. In addition, the teachings of the Holy Prophet for Ramadan can instil righteousness in us. For instance, he is reported to have said that if anyone argues with you, then you should merely say ‘I am fasting and cannot answer you’, teaching us to avoid quarrels.
Such examples can inspire benevolence in our conduct. Truly, as His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad states, “…his mercy and compassion extended to all humans, irrespective of differences of religion or belief. In fact the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) was sent not just as a source of mercy and compassion for humans, but indeed also for all animals and living things.”
We can use this time to reflect and self-evaluate what we can do to diffuse and spread mercy. Where have we fallen short, where have we done well, and where can we improve? As tragic as this situation undoubtedly is, it serves as a reminder of the things we take for granted, such as each others’ presence. Gratitude tends to increase when we have to give up something. Maybe – hopefully – we will come out of this crisis radiating more care for others than before, during and after this lockdown.
At any rate, abiding by these measures advised by the government are effectively acts of mercy in themselves, whereby we are trying to keep one another safe. In the end, I pray that may Allah have mercy on us, and may we have mercy on His creation.
REFS:
https://www.alislam.org/quran/21:108
https://www.alislam.org/video/first-ashra-of-ramadhan-10-days-of-mercy/
https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Muhammad-The-Perfect-Man.pdf (page 129, 465)
https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2018-05-18.html
https://www.alislam.org/articles/holy-prophet-love-compassion-for-all/
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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