Covid 19 Pandemic: A time for reflection

It has been almost four months since the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown started in March. With the passage of time, so many weeks and so many lives lost throughout the country and around the world. However, the pandemic has taught us many lessons and continues to do so. First and foremost it reminds us that we as humans despite all the scientific advancements are still weak and have very limited control on our lives. It tells us that we cannot and should not take anything for granted. All the basic things which used to be part of our everyday life and we might never have valued them adequately until now as they have disappeared from our routine and now we miss them a lot.

Many good and bad things among us are getting highlighted. On one hand it’s heartening to see how people are volunteering and donating to help those in need but on the other hand there are people who are hoarding or trying to disproportionately profit from the crisis by increasing the prices. It is often said that the character of a person is judged during adversity and we can see it in action. God is Gracious and He has bestowed so many blessings upon us without us asking for them or without expectation of anything in return. Similarly if we love God, we should unconditionally love His creation. Our service and dedication should be purely out of love without any greed or expectation of a reward. This is our test of how we take care of those around us who might depend on our help and this means we are in a way obligated to help.
The pandemic reminds us that just like we depend on each other to practice social distancing so we all are safe, similarly we need all of us to be united and considerate to make our lives beautiful. Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that all creation is family of God which means that we should treat others as our own brothers and sisters.