COVID-19: Sense of Responsibility and Power of Solidarity

Dr. Kamal Badr


04 July, 2020


Undoubtedly, we are all in an unprecedented moment in the history of mankind with COVID-19 still causing disasters here and there, as well as disrupting lives at multiple levels.

With growing anxiety, panic, fear and sorrow, the pandemic is certainly wreaking havoc everywhere in an unprecedented mode; the very tiny microorganism has brought all humans to their knees!

COVID-19: Stories, Tips, Fatwas and Consequences


COVID-19: Stories, Spirituality, Tips and Fatwas (In-depth)


The whole world is still struggling to make sense of this terrible situation. We are transiting now from months-long lockdown to phases of gradual/complete reopening; in some countries authorities have decided to coexist with the virus.

With this in mind, I see two very important factors worthy of our attention: Responsibility and Solidarity.

Each one of these two factors has a great role to play in our quest for a better understanding and strategy of coping with this pandemic. 

Responsibility


Waking us all from our slumber, the coronavirus has sparked off our sense of responsibility; everyone now realizes the importance of being responsible, starting from the level of being self-responsible, whereby each and every individual tries to take responsibility over aspects of his life, over things he has under his control; up to the level of family responsibility, as well as state responsibility, which of course requires a higher level of leadership. 

Coronavirus Safety Precautions


Coronavirus: Safety Precautions from the Quran and Sunnah


Responsibility is one of the well-established principles in Islam; it guides manners, behaviors and how humans should approach any given situation. It’s also a cornerstone of the Islamic world vision through which a proper framework is laid down to safeguard rights and protect properties. 

This world vision comprises philosophical concepts and spiritual values. Both serve as a guide to know how a true Muslim thinks; and how he coexists with the universe in light of the divine revelation.  Responsibility is certainly one of these concepts. 

Scope of Responsibility


In Islam, the primary focus and scope of responsibility is the individual himself, in the sense that every person has what it takes to constitute a legal personality in the eyes of the Shariah, thus making him or her a responsible person, or, rather, an ultimate repository of the divine trust (al-Amanah), as the Quran puts it:

{We surely offered the Trust (al-Amanah) to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it, and feared it. But man (undertook to) bear it, he was unjust and ignorant.} (Al-Ahzab 33: 72) 

Imam Offers Islamic Tips for COVID-19


Imam Offers Islamic Tips for COVID-19


What the above verse indicates is that as man was created with certain potentialities and features by which he was made superior to other creatures, he is equally charged with the responsibility to rise up to the occasion of translating those potentialities into development and growth; he is expected to be able to fully discharge the trust he undertook to bear.

Moral and Legal Obligations


On the moral level, the concept of responsibility pins certain obligations on every individual on what he does or says. On the technical/legal level, the obligation rises up to a level where a wrongful act becomes punishable by law. 

So, responsibility in this context is about fulfilling obligations and upholding rights. This includes personal rights among which is the right to protect your soul and body. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) says; “Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you…” (Al-Bukhari)

If we put this in the context of COVID-19, we will see clearly how important are the instructions of health and state authorities with regard to the measures of protecting and safeguarding personal rights. But it’s up to a self-responsible person, in a first level, to heed these instructions. 

Responsibility to Combat COVID-19


As the coronavirus pandemic ravages and threatens survival, man must pluck up his courage, tighten his belt and come up with solutions and means of containment.  

📚 Read Also: Between Divine Guidance and Personal Responsibility

So, the virus is part of challenges and problems through which the Supreme Creator frequently puts man to test. He tests his ability, his acquired knowledge, and level of advancement in technology, medicine, etc. This is the area where man believes too much of himself and brags about his so-called technological advancement.

Surprisingly, this test (COVID-19) has proven highly strenuous so far, rendering the fallacy to crack under the strain, thus revealing man’s weakness and limited faculty, despite huge fortunes spent annually on explorations and  technological researches.  

It’s very interesting to see that the virus has hit the so-called “developed nations” so hard that till now, they are still scrambling for solution. 

Man by nature never surrenders, he always wrestles with emerging situations and challenges; that is why we see all hands now on deck in every corner of the globe as nations keep on fighting and battling the virus, using every means in his potentials. This is really a reflection of human nature; man believes Allah made him superior and he has to win this war. 

How to Pass the Test


Social Responsibility in Islam (Part 1/4)


Social Responsibility in Islam


Yes, there’s a high chance for man to win the war, only if he shows a sense of responsibility. Also man can win if he acknowledges the fact that Allah entrusted him with trust (al-Amanah). So, man has to discharge thus trust responsibly. 

It’s very painful to recall at this junction several horrible situations and instances of wars, disasters, global conflicts…etc. that could have been easily averted if men had resorted to logical reasoning and behaved responsibly. 

The problem with us, we humans, is that ego always comes first in every situation we find ourselves; leaders often resort to grandstanding and pomposity, instead of thoughtful and responsible governance. 

The Quran says: {He who follows the Right Way shall do so to his own advantage, and he who strays shall incur his own loss; No one shall bear another’s burden.} (Al-Israa 17:15)

Carelessness is also man’s Achilles’ heel; we see how this is making infection and Covid-19 related death surge in many countries. This is another problem of failure to feel responsible, stubbornness and inability to heed instructions. 

It’s quite unfortunate that man’s impulse is naturally inclined towards disobedience, ridiculing all facts and truth. The only person he readily believes in is himself, but with no clear guidance. Thus man causes problems or destruction to himself and others.  Referring to this, the Quran says: {Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue (all day) ascending therein, they would only say: “Our eyes have been dazzled: Nay, we have been bewitched by

Solidarity 


COVID-19: Sense of Responsibility and Power of Solidarity - About Islam


Social Solidarity & Social Justice in Islam


But the good news is that man is a ‘social animal’; we have a natural disposition to reaching out to one another and showing support and caring for one another.

This is also one of the Islamic virtues we witness here and there as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, with many beautiful pictures of health workers risking their lives in the course of saving others and preventing calamities, with many religious institutions and charity houses doing all their best to provide succor to those in need. 

In Islam, it’s not enough to proclaim Shahadah, or a declaration of faith; action must follow this declaration. One of the conditions that guide this action is Ikhlas (sincerity), i.e. “for Allah’s Sake.”

A true Muslim never does anything merely for winning people’s hearts or for show-off:

{We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.} (Al-Insan 76:9)

So, even in the course of reaching out to help others, it’s very important to demonstrate Ikhlas.

Responding to COVID-19 with Ihsan


This will motivate you to strive for ‘Ihsan” (excellence); the highest level of faith, and the closest (in rank) to Allah. 

Ihsan, according to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) definition, is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him; while you do not see Him, He certainly sees you.

Solidarity must be within the purview of these tenets. In responding to this Covid-19 pandemic, it’s highly commendable to see people in different communities, and across all faiths rallying round this cause of humanity, spreading beauty of Ukhuwat (brotherhood) for the welfare of humanity.

We should continue this practice of looking out for each other, providing physical and emotional support when needed. This sense of solidarity will definitely help mitigate the negative effects of the crisis, and fill hearts with hope and comfort.