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MUSLIM SCHOLARS’ PERCEPTION OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) - AN ANALYTICAL STUDY
Md Saiful Islam Student of PhD
Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
[email protected] Md Redowanul Karim
Student of PhD
Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
ABSTRACT
This research paper aims to identify of Coronavirus (COVID-19) based on the viewpoint of Muslim scholars. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is marked as a pandemic. Observations have recently revealed that there are some misconceptions among Muslim scholars and general people about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The research can assist a role in overcoming these misconceptions. It is qualitatively based in nature. Adequate references are insufficient as they are new to the context. We mainly focus on Muslim scholar’s speech on YouTube. Some data will be collected from scholars’ writings, online newspaper, and authentic social media. However, it is expected that the result of this research will find out the various dimension of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and it will provide the right idea by removing misconception.
Keywords: Pandemic, Scholars’ Perception, Identify of Coronavirus, Trial of Allah.
INTRODUCTION
Coronavirus is known as COVID-19. The virus was as detected in November 2019 in Wuhan, China.
Initially, it was thought like Ebola 2014, MERS 2012, and SARS 2003. In next, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a global Public Health Emergency by end of January 2020 and then as a Global Pandemic in March 2020.
In this case, Muslim scholars have expressed their views on various aspects of coronavirus on the basis of the Quran and Hadith. Suggested precautionary of COVID-19. Hand sanitization, Quarantine, Isolation concept and identify the coronavirus on the viewpoint of the Quran and Sunnah.
In between some identification is Mercy, Trial/Test, Punishment, Calamity, Disease, and Manifestation of God’s power. There are direct versus about trial/Test, Punishment, Calamity through disease. There
61 are not found direct verses about forgiveness and manifestation of god's power. But supporting Hadith is available.
PANDEMIC
In a virtual press conference in May 2009 on the influenza pandemic, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General ad interim for Health Security and Environment, WHO said "a pandemic is a global outbreak. Global outbreak means that we see both spreads of the agent and then we see disease activities in addition to the spread of the virus.
A pandemic or epidemic of an infectious disease that crosses international boundaries, usually affecting people worldwide. The most disastrous pandemic in recorded history was the Black Death (also known as The Plague), which killed an estimated 200 million people in the 14th century. The 1918 influenza pandemic (Spanish flu). Current pandemics include COVID-19. (Pandemic - Wikipedia, n.d.)
SCHOLARS’ PERCEPTION Mercy (ةَمْحَر):
The coronavirus has appeared as a mercy from Allah SWT when man has given up the command to do good and forbid evil. Because of this virus, people have closed liquor stores, cinema halls, brothels and are being forced to do good deeds. O Allah, save the Muslims from this virus and eradicate the disbelievers (Dr. Mohammed Al-Hefnawi Al-Ansari) ((245) Egyptian Islamic Preacher: May Allah Use This Virus to Annihilate the Infidels and Shiites - YouTube, n.d.)
Coronavirus is a Mercy for Muslim. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) says about plague, "Plague was a punishment which Allah used to send on whom He wished, but Allah made it a blessing for the believers. None (among the believers) remains patient in a land in which plague has broken out and considers that nothing will befall him except what Allah has ordained for him, but that Allah will grant him a reward similar to that of a martyr". (Bukhari 5734) Dr. Muhammad Salah (One who dies with Coronavirus is a Martyr Dr Muhammad Salah #HUDATV - YouTube, n.d.)
As given up to According to the above mentioned scholars’ perception this virus (COVID-19) is a mercy from Allah SWT. Now our focusing point is Quranic synonyms of Mercy (ةَمْح َر). The triliteral root (م ح ر) occurs 339 times in the Quran, in nine derived forms:
28 times as the form I verb ( َم ِحَّر). 12 times as the noun (ماَح ْرَأ). Four times as the noun (مَح ْرَأ). Once as the noun (مْحُر). 57 times as the nominal (ن َمْحَّر). 114 times as the noun (ةَمْحَر). 116 times as the nominal (مي ِحَّر).
Once as the noun (ةَمَح ْرَم). Six times as the active participle (نيِم ِح َّر).
That is used 114 times as the noun (ةَمْحَر). We analysis those verse and try to trace out the principle of Allah's mercy. 34 reasons for Allah's mercy have been presented in the holy Quran. But we did not find
‘Disease’ as a cause to mercy of Allah.
Test ( ْوَلَب):
There is no doubt that this virus is a test of patience and steadfastness from Allah Almighty. In this type of situation, it is our responsibility to deal with patience and Accountability. (Shaikh Abdul Rahman Ibn
62 Abdul Aziz as-Sudais) ((245) Message by Sheikh Sudais to Muslim Ummah on Coronavirus - YouTube, n.d.)
The present generation has faced the greatest test from Allah SWT in this century. Shaikh Dr Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi (Spiritual Advice In Light of COVID-19 Shutdown | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi - YouTube, n.d.)
A test to the world coronavirus. The whole world is in fear a test. Allah said in the Quran ‘and we will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient’ (Q2:155). (Ustadh Abdul Rashid) ([CORONAVIRUS] A TEST TO THE WORLD || BY USTADH ABDUL RASHID - YouTube, n.d.)
As given up to According to the above mentioned scholars’ perception this virus (COVID-19) is a test from Allah SWT. Now our focusing point is Quranic synonyms of Test ( ْوَلَب). The triliteral root (و ل ب) occurs 38 times in the Quran, in five derived forms:
20 times as the form I verb ( ْوَلَب). Twice as the form IV verb ( َىِلْبُي). Eight times as the form VIII verb ( ىَلَتْبٱ). Six times as the noun (ء َلََب). Twice as the form VIII active participle (يِلَتْبُم).
That is used 20 times as the verb ( ْوَلَب). We analysis those verse and try to trace out the principle of Allah's Test. 13 reasons for Allah's test have been presented in the holy Quran. We did find ‘Disease’ as a cause to punishment from Allah SWT.
Do they not see that they are tried once or twice in every year, yet they do not turn (to Allah) nor do they mind? (9: 126)
Therefore, Allah made it to taste the utmost degree of hunger and fear because of what they wrought.
(16: 112)
And we tried them with blessings and misfortunes that they might turn. (7: 168) Punishment (باَقِع):
If the people as a sinful that most provably this is a punishment for them. In the same area if the people on the straight path and not doing any sins. This calamity it’s a test for them. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) says about plague, "Plague was a punishment which Allah used to send on whom He wished, but Allah made it a blessing for the believers." Bukhari 5734 (Dr. Zakir Naik) (Is Coronavirus COVID 19 a Punishment from Allaah? – Dr Zakir Naik - YouTube, n.d.)
Lie, Fraud, Immodesty, and forbidden earning, these four elements are such that attract punishment from Allah. Such as three nations Aad, Thamud, Pharaon (Q89: 6-10). As those cause are visible in the present world, this calamity has appeared as a punishment from Allah SWT. (Tariq Jamil)
Personal or global many disasters it could be the result of a sin. But we cannot confirm that is definitely because of that. ‘Corruption has appeared in the land and the sea on account of what the hands of men have wrought’ (30:41). Now it also a punishment and the mercy. (Ustadh Mohamad Baajour) (Coronavirus (COVID-19) an Islamic Perspective | Ustadh Baajour - YouTube, n.d.)
As given up to According to the above mentioned scholars’ perception this virus (COVID-19) is a punishment from Allah SWT. Now our focusing point is Quranic synonyms of punishment (باَقِع). The triliteral root (ب ق ع) occurs 80 times in the Quran, in 11 derived forms:
63 twice as the form II verb ( ْبِ قَعُي), six times as the form III verb ( َبَقاَع), once as the form IV verb ( َبَقْعَأ),32 times as the noun (ةَبِق َع),20 times as the noun(باَقِع), once as the noun (بْقُع), eight times as the noun (بِقَع), six times as the noun (ىَبْقُع), twice as the noun (ةَبَقَع), once as the form II active participle (بِ قَعُم), once as the form II active participle (ت َبِ قَعُم)
That is used 20 times as the noun (باَقِع). We analysis those verse and try to trace out the principle of punishment from Allah SWT. 6 reasons for punishment have been presented in the holy Quran. We did find ‘Disease’ as a cause to punishment from Allah SWT.
Calamity (ةَبي ِصُّم):
No disease spreads by itself. This calamity is given by the command of Allah. ‘Not a leaf falls but that He knows it’ (Q6:59). So the disease does not come from itself. ‘Corruption has appeared in the land and the sea on account of what the hands of men have wrought (30:41)’. (Sayed Kamal Uddin Zafree) (মহামারী এই কররানা ভাইরাস কক ছ াোঁয়ারে ছরাগ ? ইসলামী সওয়াল ও জওয়াব | Islami Sawal Jawab | - YouTube, n.d.)
As given up to According to the above mentioned scholars’ perception this virus (COVID-19) is a Calamity from Allah SWT. Now our focusing point is Quranic synonyms of Calamity (ةَبي ِصُّم). The triliteral root (ب و ص) occurs 77 times in the Quran, in five derived forms:
64 times as the form IV verb ( َباَصَأ). Once as the noun (با َوَص). Once as the noun (بِ يَص). Once as the form IV active participle (بي ِصُم). 10 times as the form IV active participle (ةَبي ِصُّم).
That is used 10 times as the form IV active participle (ةَبي ِصُّم). We analysis those verse and try to trace out the principle of Calamity. 5 reasons for Calamity have been presented in the holy Quran. We did find
‘Disease’ as a cause to calamity from Allah SWT.
Yet why did they not, when our punishment came to them, humble themselves? But their hearts hardened and the Shaitan made what they did fair-seeming to them. (6:43)
And whatever affliction befalls you, it is on account of what your hands have wrought, and (yet) He pardons most (of your faults). (42:30)
Manifestation of God’s power
Allah SWT is the creator of all things (Q39: 62). Only he knows about many of his creations (74: 31).
Allah SWT also punishes people through his various creations. This virus can also be a punishment, mercy, and reminder from Allah SWT. So that people come back to him. (Shaikh Dr Haitham al-Haddad) (Is Coronavirus a Punishment, Mercy or Reminder? - Sheikh Haitham al-Haddad - YouTube, n.d.) As given up to According to the above mentioned scholars’ perception this virus (COVID-19) is a manifestation of God’s power. Now our focusing point is Quranic synonyms of God’s power (رْدَق). The triliteral root (ر د ق) occurs 132 times in the Quran, in 11 derived forms:
25 times as the form I verb ( َرَدَق),16 times as the form II verb ( َرَّدَق), seven times as the noun (رْدَق),11 times as the noun (رَدَق), once as the noun (روُدُق),45 times as the nominal (ريِدَق), three times as the noun (راَد ْقِم),14 times as the active participle (رِداَق), once as the passive participle (روُدْقَّم), five times as the form II verbal noun (ريِدْقَت), four times as the form VIII active participle (رِدَت ) ْقُّم
64 That is used 7 times as the noun ((رْدَق). We analysis those verse and try to trace out the principle of manifestation of God’s power. 6 reasons for manifestation of God’s power have been presented in the holy Quran. But we did not find ‘Disease’ as a cause to manifestation of God’s power.
CONCLUSION
The basic guideline and outline That, whenever that is a calamity or pandemic or epidemic that whenever be floods, whenever be rain, whenever be earth quick, any calamity, it can either be a punishment or it can be a test. If the people as a sinful that most provably this is a punishment for them. In the same area if you on the straight path and you not doing any sins. This calamity it’s a test for you. The same time same calamity can be punishment for some people can be tested some people.
REFERENCES
(245) Egyptian Islamic Preacher: May Allah Use This Virus to Annihilate the Infidels and Shiites - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2bjGtFuiNk
(245) Message by Sheikh Sudais to Muslim Ummah on Coronavirus - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtLuJb3cUlE
[CORONAVIRUS] A TEST TO THE WORLD || BY USTADH ABDUL RASHID - YouTube. (n.d.).
Retrieved July 27, 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATSFnTjY9Bw&feature=youtu.be
Coronavirus (COVID-19) an Islamic Perspective | Ustadh Baajour - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSo-6Gduk8g&feature=youtu.be
Is Coronavirus a Punishment, Mercy or Reminder? - Sheikh Haitham al-Haddad - YouTube. (n.d.).
Retrieved July 27, 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDh0TaLStDM&feature=youtu.be
Is Coronavirus COVID 19 a Punishment from Allaah? – Dr Zakir Naik - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mZo5fGHhk0&feature=youtu.be One who dies with Coronavirus is a Martyr Dr Muhammad Salah #HUDATV - YouTube. (n.d.).
Retrieved July 27, 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1lkLATkDao&feature=youtu.be
Pandemic - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic
Spiritual Advice In Light of COVID-19 Shutdown | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi - YouTube. (n.d.).
Retrieved July 27, 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F86VvrXCCg&feature=youtu.be
মহামারী এই কররানা ভাইরাস কক ছ াোঁয়ারে ছরাগ ? ইসলামী সওয়াল ও জওয়াব | Islami Sawal Jawab | - YouTube. (n.d.).
Retrieved July 27, 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9u6HgprdYg&feature=youtu.be
