Voice of British Muslim Women

Aqeela Shanzay Zaffar, Glasgow

2020 has been a very shocking year for us all. Out of the blue, the Coronavirus pandemic gripped the world, millions of people got infected and sadly thousands passed away. This brought a drastic change in people’s lives, filled with financial losses, serious health complications and loss of loved ones. To combat the spread, several nations went into lockdown more than once. Health care workers became the soldiers and hospitals became their battlefield. Social activities as done before were completely halted and people had to adapt to a “new normal”.

However, this year gave me a sense of déjà vu as I had already been through some of this.

It has been four years since my most beloved brother, Mazhar Ahsan Ahmad passed away and met his Creator at age of 25. My brother had suffered from Leukaemia and by the grace of Allah he was completely cured. However, later on, he developed a lung infection that could not be diagnosed, due to which he passed away.

During my brother’s treatment, he was mostly admitted in the hospital where he stayed in a special sterilized area as his immune system was compromised. On the rare occasions when he was allowed home, the doctors strictly advised against meeting people and going out. When it was unavoidable, he had to wear a mask, keep his distance and always sanitise his hands and disinfect surfaces. The most difficult moments for my brother were not being able to meet His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) and pray behind him. He couldn’t even attend the local Community meetings or even go to the Jalsa Salana UK.

Who knew some years later, a time would come where the whole world would be in the same situation? “Social distancing” would become the new norm.

My brother always had a positive attitude and smile on his face. I used to feel very disheartened when he couldn’t go out and lead a normal life. And I always wondered why he never complained about suffering from pain and going through hardships.

How is it possible for a person to be so patient and steadfast at a time of tribulation and trial? However, this year while facing this pandemic, I finally came to understand my brother’s true feelings.

As Allah mentions in the Holy Qur’an “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.” [i]

My brother Mazhar had absorbed the very essence of this verse. The reason behind his steadfastness, patience and unwavering heart was his firm belief and complete trust in Allah Almighty. Even standing at the door of immense pain, suffering and death, he left everything to Allah.

The Holy Qur’an states: “…And I entrust my cause to Allah. Verily, Allah sees all His servants.” [ii]

So when facing the dangerous pandemic this year, my family reflected on my brother’s life and realised that nothing in the world could save us except our loyalty, love and sincerity to Allah Almighty. We take for granted the countless blessings bestowed by Allah Almighty, like our health, wealth, leisure time etc. We think we have earned them but in reality, they are Allah’s hidden favours. 

Pondering over Allah Almighty’s wonders and blessings elevated all our fears and worries of the pandemic and made our hearts filled with peace and content. 

As mentioned in the Holy Qur’an: “…It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort;” [iii]

Indeed this is the answer to all our fears and this is the answer to the future. When we entrust everything to Allah our burden is instantly alleviated.  

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) has beautifully explained about the hidden treasures of Allah Almighty.

He writes: “If you become one with God, rest assured that God too will be yours. God Almighty shall remain awake for you as you sleep. God shall watch over your enemy and frustrate their designs, while you are unmindful of him. Had you been aware of this treasure and knew that at every time of need God is able to fulfil your requirements, why would you look to the world so restlessly? God is a precious treasure; appreciate Him accordingly, for He is your Helper at every step. You are nothing without Him, nor do your resources and your schemes amount to anything.” [iv]

As this year draws to a close and a New Year awaits, we may become weak when we encounter tough times, or we may become arrogant over our success, but the magnificent Qur’an gives us the true meaning in life. “Is not Allah sufficient for His servant?…” [v]

References:

[i] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra), Chapter 2, Verses 156 & 157

[ii] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra), Chapter 40, Verses 45

[iii] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra), Chapter 13, Verses 29

[iv]“Noah’s Ark: An Invitation to Faith” by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, The Promised Messiah (as), Pages 35 & 36

[v] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra), Chapter 39, Verses 37