CORONAVIRUS – What do we do?

The origin of the virus is still questionable at this stage. Some have theorized that it was from snakes, some said bats, some said bad hygiene and others have mentioned that it was created in a laboratory. The fact of the matter is that the average person will not know the truth and only know what we have been told. Speculation will not make a difference.

We should look at what the deen says about how to respond in a time of contagious sickness.

𝟭. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱?

Know that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no ‘adwaa [contagion, transmission of infectious disease without the permission of Allaah]” and he said “…run away from the leper as you would run away from a lion.” (Bukhari)

Indicating that you don’t fear the contagion, rather you should fear Allah as he is the one in control of the spread and contraction of the sickness.

However you should still take precautions (“tie your camel”). Practice proper hygiene, wash your hands regularly, wear masks if required and avoid people who are sick or display symptoms of sickness.

𝟮. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?

The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If you hear that it (the plague) is in a land, do not go there, and if it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave, fleeing from it.” Al-Bukhaari (5739)

Unfortunately, during this epidemic as well as previous ones, we see people fleeing their lands to escape the sickness and thus causing it to spread further and infect more people. Avoid travelling to places where the sickness has reached and do not flee from your area if it breaks out there unless necessary and you are certain that you will not be spreading the disease.

𝟯. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗜’𝗺 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱?

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “No sick one should be put with a healthy one.” (Muslim – 2221)

Use your common sense. The way you expect the sick to stay away from you or your children, then do the same for them. If you or a family member are sick, then avoid mingling with the healthy. As mentioned earlier, do not be the reason for the spread of the sickness. Even the obligation of praying the Friday prayer is lifted from the sick one, so do not attend public places unnecessarily.
Ask yourself, how would you feel if you pass a sickness onto somebody who then dies from it? Apply this advice to other sicknesses/viruses too and not only during this outbreak.

There are still details which will become clearer in the coming days as false rumours will be differentiated from the truth. Remember to not panic and keep your faith in Allah. Our life is short regardless of any epidemic and we don’t know when or how it will end.

We encourage beneficial comments and sharing of verified information below.

May Allah have mercy on us and forgive us.