It is the second year now when Muslim ummah is observing fasts under a contagious atmosphere of Covid-19 pandemic. Many mosques, shrines and places of worship were closed as precautionary measures last year but not today when the wrath of the second wave is wreaking havoc everywhere.
Yesterday, Wakaf Board made it clear that the places of worship will not be closed and even some clerics also thrusted for keeping the mosques open come what may. But is this a rational decision?
Islamic history is replete with instances when the mosques and study places were closed as precautionary measures during the time of epidemics, famines and droughts and all this happened in presence of stalwart scholars of Islam.
Famous Hadith Scholar Imam Dhahabi records in his book Siyar a’lam al-Nubla (The lives of Noble Figures) records Volume 18 at page 311:
‘The drought was great in Egypt and Andalus (Spain) and no drought nor epidemic was ever experienced in Qurtaba (Cordova) to the extent that mosques were left closed without anyone praying in them and it was known as the year of great famine’
So, the Muslims used to pray in their homes and accepted the predestination of Allah but ironically, we appear to be growing into a society that is lacking deep Islamic insight. The Islamic Jurisprudence has many illustrious principles which should guide our hollow ego and respect the sanctity of human lives by advising our elderly, adults and young to pray inside homes till this wave of death is averted.
There is ample proof in Islamic traditions to follow SOP’s in the time of epidemic like Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said that Sick camels should not be put with healthy (camels) as narrated in Bukhari and Muslim. It is also narrated that Prophet peace be upon him accepted the allegiance of a leper in absentia from the tribe of Thaqeef saying ‘we have accepted your oath, so go back’ as recorded in Muslim.
Furthermore, the Hadith of Prophet peace be upon him ‘There Should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm’ is having a pivotal importance in Islamic jurisprudence suggesting that if anyone fears that he may be harmed or may harm others should desist from the actions he is going to perform, which in current situation is praying in congregation.
The epidemic and its serious implications are very much real and those who stubbornly suggest otherwise shall have to bear the sins of those who will get infected by this disease or may even die because as Prophet said: ‘The Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe’ recorded in Ibn Majah.
However, all we can pray is that the good senses should prevail and the real spirit of Islam and its teachings are understood by us all because that is the only best goodness bestowed upon a Muslim as our beloved Prophet peace be upon him said:
‘When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of religion (of Islam)’
Recorded in Sahee al-Bukhari
