Aroosa Akram, Slough
There is no doubt that there is a serious pandemic still running rampant in the U.K. and the world, however this is not the first pandemic and unfortunately it’s unlikely it will be the last. There are ways to prevent a recurrence through measures like better personal hygiene and containing the first few cases to prevent it from spreading but humans only have the power to do so much. In the early days of the outburst some Muslims claimed this current pandemic and the hardships that come along with it to be a sign from God, however this idea was stated incorrect by His Holiness, Khalifatul Masih V. Some also likened the current situation to the plague in 1902, about which the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) received a divine revelation from God Almighty.
Coronavirus was being likened to the bubonic plague which spread during the time of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) in 1896. [1]
The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) had prophesied the plague in 1894 during a time when there was hardly a sign of plague in Punjab and before it caused thousands of casualties,[2] estimated to be around 1900 deaths in India weekly, at the peak of the outbreak. During that time, he announced another revelation of God Almighty: “I shall safeguard all those who are in this house … and I shall safeguard you in particular.” This revelation was upheld as his family and around 80 members of the Community who stayed in his house were safeguarded and the casualties of Qadian, where the Messiah lived, were much lower in comparison to other neighbouring cities.[3]
However, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V has denied any relation between the current coronavirus pandemic and the plague, which indeed was a divine sign proving the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him).[4]
His Holiness has explained that for divine communities to be exempt during epidemics, would go against the law of nature as believers are human. During the plague in the time of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him), he had prayed for all of his community but the law of nature meant that even some pious believers were still affected by the plague and will be affected by any diseases. His Holiness related the example given by the Promised Messiah of Jihad during the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him). Many believers were granted victories but some Muslims were also martyred.[5] So the assumption that the coronavirus is a sign from God which some Muslims may claim it to be, remains incorrect.
Further explaining His Holiness said: “Neither was this coronavirus foretold, nor have I ever expressed that this is a sign that has appeared.” [6] Unfortunately, it has affected people from all backgrounds and all communities have suffered. However, during this time of hardship, one should take the timeless advice of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) when he said “The days are difficult; fear and risk are ever-present; But these my friends, are the days to attain nearness to Him.” [7] Lockdown here in the U.K. during Ramadan has meant many members of our Community have a golden opportunity to spend time in remembrance of Allah and His worship and try and attain nearness to God and develop our spirituality.
[1] https://www.alhakam.org/definition-of-plague-in-the-prophecy/#
[2] https://www.alhakam.org/what-made-the-prophecy-of-the-plague-so-unique/
[3] Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 401
[4]Friday Sermon, April 10th 2020 https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2020-04-10.html
[5] Friday Sermon, April 10th 2020 https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2020-04-10.html
[6] https://www.alhakam.org/covid-19-how-to-keep-safe-during-this-global-crisis/
[7] https://www.alhakam.org/covid-19-how-to-keep-safe-during-this-global-crisis/
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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