In these difficult times, we need to have trust and full reliance on Allah (SWT) now more than ever. It’s easy to look for someone to blame and to be upset at the situation we are in with this ongoing pandemic. Everyone is being impacted in one way or another. Health is being compromised, many people are in difficult financial situations or being put in difficult situations at home. Overall, plans that we have made are ultimately being put on pause as many of us continue to social distance in our homes. However, instead of feeling hopeless, the true believers will understand and know that Allah (SWT) is Al-Hakim, The All-Wise. Nothing can happen on this earth without the will of Allah (SWT).
Therefore, if we have that full iman and reliance on our Lord, then inshaAllah we can find peace in His remembrance. This may be a trial for us and a blessing in disguise. Ultimately, we do not know and we may never know. All we really know is that this pandemic would not have occurred without the will of Allah (SWT). More importantly, it will come to an end only by the will of Allah (SWT). This is a time that calls for sabr and trust in Allah (SWT)’s plan.
However, this does not mean that we sit idly by and ignore all the precautions that we should be taking. Recall that in a hadith,
Anas ibn Malik reported: “A man said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?’ The Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, ‘Tie her and trust in Allah.'” [Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2517]
Tying the camel means taking those precautions and also having that tawakkul (trust in Allah SWT). In our case, this would mean taking those precautions that include, but are not limited to, washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and practicing social distancing. We need to do all that we can and do our part, even if it seems small, to help prevent the harm that COVID-19 may bring to ourselves and those around us. After doing all that we practically can, we then put our full trust and understand that everything else that happens is up to Allah (SWT).
True believers know that ultimate sustenance and protection comes from Allah (SWT). So, we should not panic. Rather, we should be strategic in how we follow the given precautions. We should be thoughtful and open in giving charity to those who are in more vulnerable situations than us. Most importantly, though, we need to remember Allah (SWT) in these difficult times. We should not just be sitting at home and waiting for this time to be over. Tomorrow is in the hands of Allah (SWT), but it is what you choose to do with the moments that you have right now that can ultimately benefit you. We need to have true iman and really utilize this time to worship Allah (SWT). Use these moments, surrounded by your family and loved ones, to remember Allah (SWT). Make sincere du’a, ask Him for forgiveness, recite His words and reflect.
Recall that Allah (SWT) tells in the Qu’ran,
“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” [65:3]
Thereupon, as Muslims, we should know that even if were to lose everything in this dunya, our health, our job, our friends and family, we will always have Allah (SWT) and He is the only one we truly need. So when you feel helpless and lost in times of this pandemic, remember that He is always there, that he is Al-Hakim, and put your full trust in Him.
