First published on: Covid-19 (Defeated): How & Why? Coronavirus: When Beauty of Islam Shines 


Noha Waseem - Jehad Adel 


I have this friend of mine who been diagnosed with Covid-19. she has been in the quarantine for 17 days now. One day she called me:

 And said:” I’m upset with myself.”

I replied: ” Why?”

She then said: “Today and yesterday I’ve been crying as if I’m not okay with my fate.”

I said: ” It is totally fine to cry out of pain and illness and that does not show any contradiction of your faith in Allah’s fate. You know quite well that you will accept anything written by Allah.”

She said “of course I will and actually I do accept it with wide open arms knowing that Allah knows the best and that I’m safe being a follower to His wise plan. And you know what, HE has been so kind to me during my illness, that you yourself had made me food and kept me in your prayers like others of my friends and relatives. Moreover, you all did so by His order, AlhamduleAllah.”

The good news that my friend is getting better now. She had such a hard time but she cannot stop thanking Allah for curing her without any need to the hospital. And did you notice how keen she was to please her Creator and to obey him even in her disease? 

Reflections on Covid-19: Who Are You?


Have you ever asked yourself why are you here in the first place? Or have you been able to find an answer? People are dying around us from this Coronavirus or for any other reason. Actually many of them left with this question unanswered:

Who are you? And what are you doing here in this world?

The whole catastrophes happening around us made this question nagging me all the time. And if such virus,- forests fires, volcano’s bursts, earthquakes…etc.- are not enough signs to think twice, then what do you expect to happen next so you can consider it as a sign!

Again who are you? And what are you doing here in this world?

If looking to the sky and analyzing your body organs is not giving you any signs of who you really are, then try thinking about you being baby born without any abilities to do anything on your own, even your memory will not help you here to remember anything through such a phase, it is like you were nothing. Or try to think about how to defeat your own death if you can.

Who You Really Are


You are one of God’s creatures that will never be able to survive without His care. You are the weak, the poor, the needy, the hungry, the lost,…etc. You are nothing without God’s care and mercy.

If you still believe that there is no Creator to this universe and you are the strong one by yourself, try keeping yourself awake for a week! You will never be able to do so, and if you did, you will suffer illness for the rest of your life. In deed, this is because Allah says in His Book:

And He is the subjugator over His servants. And He is the Wise, the Acquainted [with all].” [Qur’an 6-18] (1)

Super God, Needy Man


You are Allah’s creation who was ordered to worship, and to act as a slave, not as a God! And trust me, it is a relief to have someone with a superior power who can protect you against all the things in this life and in the Afterlife. Allah says in his book:

I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.(56) I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me.(57) Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.(58)” [Qur’an 51- 56:58) (2)

Allah is not waiting for you to give him anything. Indeed, you got nothing to give it to Allah, even your prayers and worshipping it is for your own good, to get to Heaven and to avoid the Hellfire in the Afterlife, along with having a peaceful mind and life in this life.


Allah Knows the Best  


What does that have to do with my friend’s case?


My friend realized that the cure is in Allah’s hand. Even all the medications out there will not help if Allah did not permit that!. She realized that she is a slave to the Most Merciful, Kind, and compassionate king. So what does she have to worry about, while she knows that our Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,


How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” [Riyad-us-saliheen] (3)

I mean Imagine you are working at the place of the world’s king, would you be afraid of anything except dis-pleasing him? Allah is the universes’ King, the One, and the only One who deserves to be worshipped.


Conclusion


Time is running out; try to search for the truth now. Believe it is the time to start reading Allah’s book ” the Qur’an.” It is time to know that Allah is the One without a child to be worshipped on behalf of him or a holy spirit to be glorified as much as Him.


To end up I’m a proud, poor, hungry, thirsty, lost, and weak slave to Allah ( The King), and that what makes me strong. And that what makes me not afraid of such a virus! And that is called surrendering -where the word Islam is one of its roots in the Arabic language-. 


Share your thoughts about Covid-19. Also, you can ask any question haunting you about Islam for our team right now!

The world questions adversities and Islam answers

 Rana Alsergany

 The world is questioning the adversities that have afflicted us and whether there is a rule controlling what’s happening, and Islam answers. At a time when all the world is suffering different major problems; wars, fights, pandemics, material and spiritual problems, people are wondering if there’s something that can be done or what’s causing all this to happen. Moreover, is there a certain rule controlling what’s going on and is there an immediate solution to what the whole world is witnessing? Actually, there’s a timeless speech addressing this very same topic very clearly and in detail; a prophecy revealed from God.

An Everlasting Divine Rules


Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) said: It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) turned to us and said:

O Muhajirun [migrants], there are five things with which you will be tested, and I seek refuge with Allah lest you live to see them:


* Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them.


* & They do not cheat in weights and measures but they will be stricken with famine, severe calamity and the oppression of their rulers.


* They do not withhold the Zakah [Due alms] of their wealth, but rain will be withheld from the sky, and were it not for the animals, no rain would fall on them.


* & They do not break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, but Allah will enable their enemies to overpower them and take some of what is in their hands.


* Unless their leaders rule according to the Book of Allah and seek all good from that which Allah has revealed, Allah will cause them to fight one another.” [Ibn Majah] (1)

How is this proved true?


     It’s clear enough that this is not a mere prediction of the future by Prophet Mohamed. On the contrary, it’s an unmistakable prophecy revealed and taught to him by God.Thus, he warns those who believe in God to avoid the inevitable punishment by staying away from committing unlawful acts and practices.

Precisely, avoiding those acts which were clarified in the Prophetic hadith (saying and teaching). Nowadays, many people not only commit adultery, but also call for it and encourage it in the claim of being free. No wonder AIDS and other STDs that have no cure had appeared. More unfamiliar diseases like H1N1 and Coronavirus also keep appearing as alarming signs from God to the people to return and repent to Him. 

Divine Guidance to Avoid Calamities


     The Prophetic hadith also warns from economic cheating, preventing due alms that are obligatory on all capable Muslims to provide for the poor, the needy and the homeless, etc. It warns us from breaking God’s covenant which requires us to be Muslims, believe in God alone without any partners, mediators, or children. The hadith tell us to follow God’s legislation. Precisely, He is instructing us to do good deeds, help and respect all creatures, and all what brings harmony, justice and mercy to the whole world.

   This legislation forbids corruption, injustice and clarifies the punishments and consequences that have remained unchanged throughout the ages in this worldly life. So that, believers in God would be alerted not to violate God’s limits. Moreover, be obedient to their Master, and spread justice, mercy and goodness on Earth. Actually, they are obligated to do this in God’s book and the Prophetic teachings.

It is also to remind those who challenge man-made rules and wrongdo others, there is much stronger power beyond universe set by its Creator to protect the wrongdone and punish the wrongdoers. And these rules are unchangeable. One can also observe these incidents and their consequences afflicting the whole world. It’s figured clearly in physical and spiritual suffering, tyrant governments, scarce rain, wars and civil wars in many countries that violate God’s legislation.

God’s universal legislation


God almighty says in the noble Quran (meaning interpretation):

… but My mercy encompasses all things. ‘So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give zakah and those who believe in Our verses. (156)


Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful.”  [Qur’an 7 – 156: 157] (2)

     In brief, while all the world is questioning the acceleration of many afflictions and adversities, one who believes in God must know it’s simple to find a way through. Simply, once we follow God’s instructions and avoid what He has forbidden. We must believe God’s capability is above us at all times, and His legislation is unchangeable in all ages. So, there is hope as long as you obey God.

Coronavirus: When Beauty of Islam Shines…


 Coronavirus, Health Aspects Of Islam, purpose of life, social life Jehad Adel

Real Healing


“What I would like to say about Islam is that it helped me to learn a lot about myself, my psychology, and my actions. It metaphorically helped me filter out bad habits I was unaware that I even had or did. The filtering of the heart never stops Alhamdulillah. The Quran is a guide on how to avoid calamities in life among many other things. In my personal opinion, I feel all children and teens should be taught what is prescribed for us, Muslims and Non-Muslims, to teach them to be respectful adults and avoid economic and social stressors,” a new convert to Islam said.

O my brothers and sisters in humanity, I fear for you. I want happiness and survival for you. In Coronavirus era and in every era, all in darkness except those who resort to their Creator, the Protector. His way is the only way to survive both in this life and in the Hereafter. Let’s join those who have security and guidance. The Only One God (Allah the Almighty) says in the Qur’an:

They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice (polytheism) – those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.” [Qur’an 6: 82] (1)

Also, Allah the Almighty says:

And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom? Thus it has been made pleasing to the disbelievers that which they were doing.” [Qur’an 6: 122] (2)

Thus, let’s explore some parts of Islam’s beauty:

Healthy Lifestyle:

Personal Hygiene in Islam


Hygiene is the slogan of Muslims. Many worships in Islam mainly depend on hygiene, as follows:

Muslims have to clean their private parts after using the bathroom preferably using water, as this act of cleanliness is a condition for the acceptance of many worships.


Wudu’ (ablution) is the gate of Muslims for many worships. To illustrate, It is obligatory before opening prayers. While it is preferable before making supplication or reading the Qur’an or even for no specific reason. Wudu’ is a worship in itself.


Ghusl (total ablution) is obligatory for Muslims after having sex, or after the end of menses for women. Moreover, it is preferable before any gathering for Muslims, like Friday congregational prayer or others.


After waking up, a Muslim should wash his hands. Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) says:


When anyone amongst you wakes up from sleep, he must not put his hand in the utensil till he has washed it three times, for he does not know where his hand was during the night.“ [Muslim] (3)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said,


There are five acts which conform to the pure nature: Circumcision, removing of the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair and trimming the moustache.” [Riyad us-Salihin] (4)

Cleanliness in Islam


Islam urges its followers to act as follows:

They should clean the courtyards, not only the houses.


The Prophet (ﷺ) never refused a gift of perfume. [Al- Bukhari] (5)


The Prophet (PBUH) says:


He who has eaten onion or garlic or leek should not approach our mosque, because the angels are also offended by the strong smells) that offend the children of Adam.” [Muslim] (6)

The Prophet recommends Hijamah (Cupping) saying:


The best (treatment) which you take is cupping, or it is the best of your treatments.” [Muslim] (7)

Habits in Islam that Increase Immunity


Many Islamic habits in a Muslim’s daily life increase immunity, like:

Sleeping:


Indeed, Islam urges us to sleep and wake up early. Recently, science proved the importance of this routine on hormones, immunity, and general mental and psychological health.

Food & Beverage:


 

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) says: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.’“  [Sunan Ibn Majah] (8)

 

Moreover, Islam recommends Muslims to eat dates after waking up in the morning before anything else. Islam tells them to use honey, olive oil and black cumin as means of healing.

Furthermore, Islam values the mind. Thus, wine and narcotics are forbidden in Islam. Islam orders its followers to eat good food only; herbivores, different types of fishes, or plants for example. Adding to that, there is no room for eating carnivores, pork, or any animal; dead or not slaughtered according to the Islamic way which guarantees the best for the eater and the animal.

Also, Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) says:

The Messenger of Allah forbade (eating) animals that had been taken as targets, the milk of Al-Jallalah (animals that eat dung), and drinking directly from water skins.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i] (9)

Similarly, Islam orders us to fast Ramadan; one month every year as an obligatory pillar to purify the soul and body. Then, it encourages additional fasting throughout many days during the rest of the year. Islamic fasting is to stop eating, drinking and having sex from dawn till sunset.

Coronavirus & Psychological Aspect in Islam


God sent to mankind many Messengers with revelation to guide them to their happiness in this life and in the Hereafter. The last Messenger is Muhammad (PBUH) and the last revelation is the Qur’an. To illustrate, Qur’an is a miracle at all levels. It guides man to understand life, soul, himself and his purpose of life. Also, it helps him to find an answer for the big questions of existence emerging before everyone. Thus, it helps man to correct his view of life, to conform to common sense and to lead a happy and safe life as a result.

One of the main topics in the Qur’an is to tell us about our Creator. Here are some examples for His attributes:

Allah (the only One God) is the Ultimate Trustee (al Wakeel) whom you put your trust in to facilitate and protect your life and affairs.


He is the Protector (al Hafeeth) who protects the believers, the system of life and the deeds of people so that they will be all accounted.


Also, He is the Wise (al Hakeem) who puts everything in its right position, and who makes everything or event for a purpose, even if His creatures are not able to see that purpose due to their limitation.


Allah is the continuous sustainer (ar Razzaq) who continuously provides His slaves with their needs.


Furthermore, Allah is the Powerful (al Qader) who has the ability to control and the dominance over everything. He is the Gentle, the Guardian and a lot more.


Living with these meanings supports man to reach inner peace, happiness and tranquility. Life is not man-made; it is under the control of a Creator with these attributes!

Adding to that, Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) says:

There is no infection* and no evil omen, and I like a good omen. Good omen means a good word.“ [Abu Dawud]

* The majority of scholars interpret this to mean that these things in and of themselves do not transmit or cause harm through supernatural or hidden means but that Allah is ultimately in control and any fearful superstition around this is false. (10)

Thus, the one who lets coronavirus emerge is the one able to let it go away easily. It is a test for humanity. Belief in Allah increases immunity and vice versa.

Coronavirus & Spiritual Aspect in Islam


Personally, Qur’an and supplications help me a lot in my life.  I feel their effect of protection and tranquility in my life. If I forget to recite them one day I know that my strong weapon is off so I become uncomfortable from the events of life. Indeed, I can’t imagine how a soul can live away from its Creator. Maybe they can achieve materialistic goals, but for true happiness, I am sure it’s impossible!

Islam fuels the soul with many effective techniques helping humans to continue in this life happily, and pledges the reward in the Hereafter:

Qur’an


Qur’an is on the top of that. Allah creates the soul and knows the cure of man struggles in this life. Moreover, there are many chapters in the Qur’an that Muslims should deal with daily many times due to their extra value.


 

To begin with, a Muslim has to read the Opening chapter at least 17 in prayers every day. This chapter implies the essential meanings of life; remembrance of Allah and His grants and thanking Him, reminding us of Allah’s main attributes that support the soul, and reminding us of the Hereafter. Then it reminds us of the destination.

It is You we worship and You we ask for help.” [Qur’an 1:5] (11)

Finally, it reminds us of the reward of every group reacting to these facts, whether in a correct way or not.

Furthermore, there are many chapters to reflect on, day and night, seeking protection with Allah from all evils, like Mankind chapter (an-Nas) and Daybreak chapter (al-Falaq).

To wrap up, the Qur’an helps people to know the real volume of every concept affecting their life and the accurate way to deal with each one. The biggest milestone of each person should be the Hereafter. This materialistic life is nothing but illusion; it shall fade away quickly.

Supplications


Adding to that, there are many supplications a Muslim says day and night as a sort of remembrance for His Creator and asking for protection at the same time. Here is one example:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who recites three times every morning and evening: ‘Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma’as-mihi shai’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i, wa Huwas-Sami’ul-‘Alim (In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and All- Knowing),’ nothing will harm him.” [Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi] (12)

In general, a Muslim has a group of supplications for almost every detail in his life. He can’t forget the Creator as he knows his weakness as a human. Also, he knows the great reward of these supplications.

Coronavirus & Direct Connection


During Corona time, I read in an article that a pope asks people to confess their sins directly to God if the popes are not available! However, commonsense says that it is hard to find a person to contact all the time and to tell everything, even without any pandemic.

Indeed, one of the valuable cores of Islam is that you can directly connect with the Creator at any time without an intermediary. You can easily confess your sins to Him, ask His guidance in life, or even ask Him to save you or grant you something you need. Man’s relationship with the Creator in Islam is simple and unique at the same time. You can make supplication through praying or outside praying.

Destiny & Death


Allah says:

… But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” [Qur’an 2: 216] (13)

Everything in this life has a reason because Allah is Wise. As humans, sometimes it is hard for us to know the reasons. If you reflect on your life, you can find something you dislike had happened to you, but then it turned to be better than what you had planned for yourself.

Certainly, death is inevitable. It is the beginning of a new life that we draw its details now. It will be scaring for those who are not prepared. No one denies the difficulty for any living man to accept it. However, death implies hope for those who face injustice in this life as it will be the time to take their right. Death implies hope, as it gives the chance for the good souls to meet their beloved once again in the real world.

Above all, illness and trials have a special reward in the Hereafter. Those who died out of specific illnesses take a reward same to that of the martyr; forgiveness for all their sins, except for debts.

Indeed, everything is under the control of the Creator, and this results in tranquility. Messenger Muhammad says:

… And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you…“ [At- Tirmidhi] (14)

 

Coronavirus & Social Aspect in Islam


The Muslim community is one unit. In other words, solidarity starts from the family and reaches the whole world. To clarify, Islam enhances the social spirit by asking people to help each other, regardless of any personal or materialistic interest.

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him (while finding it difficult to repay), Allah will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.“ [Muslim] (15)

 

As a result, we can see in this pandemic many examples for Muslims trying to provide help for others, asking them nothing in return. To illustrate, Omar Ishraq, Medtronic CEO, shares ventilation design spaces to accelerate efforts to increase production in response to Covid-19. He knows that monopoly is prohibited in Islam, and in pandemics, this value is a top priority. Also, Hopkins scientists, directed by Dr. Heba Mostafa, develop on-site coronavirus screening tests that help in the pandemic.

 

Moreover, Islam provides mercy, which is absent in the world. Certainly, saving one soul is like saving the whole world. Furthermore, parents, senior citizens, kinship ties, neighbors have special ranks in Islam. To illustrate, Severe punishment is for those who carelessly deal with them. That’s why we see Muslims provide food and life necessities in such conditions as those that happened in Italy for example.

 

Coronavirus: A Different View


God says:


Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].” [Qur’an 30:41] (16)

Moreover, Coronavirus should lead us to reflect on our deeds, the pollution we made, the evil and injustice we sometimes accept, etc.

God says:


(6) No! [But] indeed, man transgresses


(7) Because he sees himself self-sufficient.”   [Qur’an 96:6-7] (17)

In short, his pandemic is a chance for everyone to realize the reality of humanity. Certainly, we are weak. However, we are arrogant, and we think that we can manage and control our lives, but a tiny virus proves something else.

We have a lot of gifts and grants from Allah that we got accustomed to. Isn’t it time to reflect and thank?!


The virus doesn’t choose the poor. To clarify, all are equal; one universe and One Creator. Isn’t it time to remove social distinctions?!


Conclusion


To conclude, the above mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg of Islam’s principles. Islam covers the whole life; it’s not just rituals. Thus, be a Muslim as it is the only way to find the ultimate truth, true happiness, here and in the Hereafter. It’s simple. You can read this simple guide to know how to be a Muslim. Also, you can have one to one conversation with our team if you seek further assistance or more questions.