Voice of British Muslim Women

Dur-e-Shewar Anwar,  Manchester 

On January 30^th 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of Covid-19 to be a public health emergency of international concern and life as we knew it began to change. The effects of this pandemic have been globally overwhelming with rolling lockdowns across the world, economic collapse in some of the richest countries and most devastatingly a global death toll of over 400,000. Simultaneously, we have witnessed an increase in community service and charity work, massive reductions in air pollution and unbelievable global unity. This pandemic has revealed that mankind is capable of great goodness when put through trials; an illustration of a key Islamic concept that it is through trials and tribulations that we can re-discover our connection with our Creator. The Holy Qur’an states:

And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ [2:156-7] ^[1]

Islam does not offer a life of freedom from hardships, nor does it promise that bad things will never happen. Instead Islam teaches that trials occur by the permission of an Omnipotent, Omniscient and Benevolent God.  It is through the endurance of these trials, with patience and steadfastness that a believer can increase their spiritual and moral character and it is these qualities that will remain when the trial has passed. In his book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) comments on the aforementioned verse stating that:

…when one suffers a loss, one should consider it as rendering back to God that which He had bestowed, and should utter no complaint about it. One should affirm that it was a bounty of God which He has recalled and that one is reconciled to God’s pleasure.^[2]

The Covid-19 pandemic is unique in its nature as compared to other natural disasters or individual hardships. It has not caused complete devastation of infrastructure as an earthquake or tsunami might, nor does it only impact one person or particular group of people. Whilst the disease has regrettably claimed many lives it has also prompted mass introspection of society and the values it upholds. It has made people re-consider their priorities and compelled governments to increase provision for essential services such as public health and social care setting the tone for a society where wealth and resources can be more fairly distributed. It has forced thousands of people to abandon their daily routines of work and school; of striving for personal success and instead they are focusing on how they can reform themselves and their community. In an article published by The Review of Religions in 1993, the fourth head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community His Holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) writes:

It is also obvious from a study of the Holy Qur’an that the laws of nature sometimes serve some specific Will of God Almighty and that whenever this happens, the changes brought about by nature lead to a reformation or betterment of a nation or people and they derive some extraordinary benefit therefrom.^[3]

As Muslims we should remain steadfast through all the difficulty and have faith in Allah’s divine Will and perfect plan for the world. We should take note of this incredible opportunity that Allah has granted us. An opportunity to increase our good deeds by doing charity work and serving our community. It is an opportunity to spend time with our families and promote harmonious relationships within the home. Most importantly we should use this time to reform and educate ourselves, engage with Islamic knowledge and strengthen the practise of our faith and connection with Allah in the absence of our usual worldly excuses and distractions.

The pandemic has given us a chance to turn back to Allah; a blessing in the midst of a trial.

References:

[1] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra)

[2] The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam by His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, The Promised Messiah and Mahdi. Available at URL: [https://www.alislam.org/book/philosophy-teachings-islam/]

[3] Natural Disasters or Divine Punishment? Review of Religions, December 1993. His Holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Available at URL: [https://www.alislam.org/articles/natural-disasters-or-divine-punishment/]