The reset button has been hit. Throughout the world, millions of people are currently in self-isolation and practicing social distancing. Most are living under a lockdown, only leaving our homes for necessities. Because of COVID-19, this is our new reality. Allah, the Exalted, states in Surah al-Baqarah: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return." Those are the ones upon who are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided". [Quran 2:155-57]. So, in this dangerous situation, everyone wants to seek the Mercy of Allah and desire to close with Him. In the lockdown state, people can learn Quran Online from their homes. QuranHost is providing amazing services and working as a competent online Quran academy.
Medical disclaimer: This article offers spiritual reflection and general Islamic guidance for a difficult time. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19 or any illness. For anything relating to your health, follow the guidance of qualified medical professionals and your local public-health authorities.
Shaheeds of the plague
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said of the plague, "It is a punishment which Allah directs upon whomsoever He wills, but Allah has made it as a mercy to the believers. Anyone who remains in a town which is plagued with plague maintaining patience expecting the reward from Allah, and knowing that nothing will befall him other than what Allah has foreordained for him, he would receive a reward of Shaheed (martyr)." [Bukhari].
The following are prophetic spiritual practices that can bring comfort and help a believer face hardship with patience and trust in Allah. They are acts of worship and general wellbeing — not medical treatments for COVID-19 or any specific disease. Islam also directs us to seek qualified medical care: the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Seek treatment, for Allah has not created a disease without creating a cure for it." (Sunan Abi Dawud 3855; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2038)
Recite your morning and evening athkar.
Use prophetic remedies daily.
Black Seed
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Use the Black Seed, for indeed it is a healing for all diseases except death." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5688; Sahih Muslim 2215)
This authentic narration is a general encouragement of a beneficial food; classical scholars did not read it as a literal, standalone cure for every specific illness. It is not a substitute for medical treatment and is not a cure for COVID-19.
Honey
Honey is described in the Quran as containing healing: "There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which there is healing for people" (Quran 16:69). In an authentic narration, a man told the Prophet (PBUH) that his brother had an abdominal complaint, and the Prophet (PBUH) advised that he be given honey (Sahih al-Bukhari 5684; Sahih Muslim 2217).
Attribution note: the popularly circulated wording "honey is a remedy for every illness, and the Quran is a remedy for every illness of the mind…" is not found in Sahih al-Bukhari. It is reported by Ibn Majah (no. 3452) and is graded weak (da'if) by hadith scholars, so it should not be presented as an authentic saying or as a guaranteed cure-all. None of these narrations mention COVID-19, and honey is not a treatment, prevention, or cure for it.
Praying all of your salah is on time.
Sending blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH).
When the companion Ubai Ibn Ka'ab asked the Messenger what would happen if he dedicated all of his supplications towards sending blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet replied, "Your needs will be satisfied and your sins will be forgiven".
Charity
Giving in charity to those who are most pretentious.
"Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." (Tirmidhi)
Make Dua
Make Dua, especially during Tahujjud (between Isha and Fajr).
"Dua made at Tahajjud is like an arrow that does not miss its target". – Imam ash-Shafi (RA).
If you are capable, use the time at home to sit in solitude and unplug from the world. Reflect on the state of your heart and your actions.
Follow the state's medical guidelines, and stay indoors to contribute to stopping the spread of the virus, and help to save lives, Insha'Allah.
QuranHost is an online Quran Academy that efficiently working for providing Quran teachings at your home. You must visit our website or contact us for further details. We hope it will offer some spiritual consolation to those who may be unable to seek solace in religious practices in the usual way at this challenging time.