Religious Approach toward Covid-19

There are three major regions may be termed as divine religions. The largest is Christianity, Islam and Judaism respectively. It is almost half of the world population. What are the teachings of how to tackle pandemic are well defined in these religions. Of course, all religions are teaching good things to be done. It is only the followers make it difference when we deviate. Outbreak of Covid-19 has challenged to whole world and is a serious threat to humanity. The latest on Covid-19:

 

In Islam, the reason for natural disasters are:

 

Some of the historical disasters happened to humanity are as:

1. Tribe of Prophet Noah (AS):

The tribe of Prophet Noah (AS) practiced polytheism and didn’t heed his message. As a result, they had to face flood as punishment. A brief description of the event is as follow:

“So We opened the gates of heaven with water pouring forth. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs. So the waters (of the heaven and the earth) met for a matter predestined. And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails, floating under Our eyes, a reward for him who had been rejected! And indeed, We have left this as a sign, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? Then how (terrible) was My torment and My warnings? (Al-Qamar 54:9-16)

2. Tribe of Ad:

The people of Ad also practiced polytheism and rejected their messenger Hod (AS). They used to claim that they were the super power and say: “Who is mightier than us in strength?” See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.)! (Fussilat)

They were punished by Allah SWT by a windstorm.

3. People of Sodom:

The people of Sodom indulged in homosexuality. Prophet Lot (AS) invited them to the right path but they did not refrain from their bad habit; as a result Allah SWT rained them down with a rain of stones.

4. Pharaoh:

Pharaoh was disobedient to Allah SWT and denied the clear signs brought to him by Prophet Musa (AS). He was afflicted by Allah SWT from time to time but he did not reform himself. As a result, he was finally caught by Allah SWT and drowned.

5. Qaroon:

Qaroon was a wealthy person unwilling to admit that his wealth was given to him by Allah SWT. He thought it was the result of his effort and denied the blessing and right of Allah SWT on his wealth. Allah SWT caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place.

“Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.” (Al-Qasas)

6. Polytheists of Makkah:

Polytheists of Makkah brought a big army against Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions. The Muslims felt they would not be able to defeat this army. Allah SWT helped Muslims in a hidden way by sending a windstorm that pushed the enemy army back.

 

How to deal with natural disasters:

The holy Quran and Sunnah have guided us in all walks of life; they also guide us about how to deal with the natural disasters and calamities. Some of these ways are piety, repentance and patience.

 

I believe the COVID-19 is natural disaster due to our collective sins and deviations from the teaching of our religion. It is time for reverting back to original teachings of our religion and repentance, piety and patience.

 

Hope, Christians, Jews and all other religion may come forward to their point of view to address pandemic.