March 31, 2020

It is said that stress and duress brings whom we really are. When under pressure, how do we behave toward loved ones, toward those who work for us, toward neighbors, toward strangers? Are we kind, compassionate, and understanding even in the rough times? Or do we take our frustration out on them? Do we take the time to walk in their shoes and try to understand their feelings or do we only see our own point of view? What has Carona taught you about yourself?

The most disturbing facets of human personality have come out in light of this epidemic. What are they? Greed and selfishness. Under the stress and desperation of these times, we have proven ourselves to be the worst of people in our greed to hoard and our selfishness to cater to our own whims with no thought to other people.

Anas (may Allâh be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allâh (blessings and peace of Allâh be upon him) said, "By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, no one of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of good."

[AlBukhârî, 13; Muslim, 45; and AnNasâ'î,5017.]

Have we shown that in these stressful times? Not really.

Most countries, states, and cities are on semi- or full lockdown. People are prohibited from leaving their homes, except in cases of necessity. Most people, however, are not accustomed to staying home for the entire day for a full two weeks or more.

Understandably, for some people, staying at home is confining. It feels like a prison. However, the doctors, the governments are emphasizing this for our own good.

Going out because you're bored is selfish and lacks common sense. Perhaps you have already been exposed and you're spreading the infection without being aware. Or you may unknowingly expose yourself and then spread it to your loved ones. People are dying because the medical system is too overwhelmed to keep up with the spread. Some countries have to decide who lives and who dies. This is not the time to go out just because you're bored.

'Abdullâh bin 'Amr bin Al'Âs (may Allâh be pleased with them) reported:

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said, "A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe; and a Muhajir (Emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allâh has forbidden. "

[AlBukhârî and Muslim].

By stepping out of doors, you do not only bring harm upon your Muslim brothers and sisters; but the world at large. This is a time when every person counts. Just one person can infect so many others. Do not be selfish. Do not think of just yourself. Think of the lives you may affect by coming into contact with others.

I was recently told of a story. One woman, despite the lockdown and the social distancing rules, because she can't tolerate being without company, has been inviting her sisters and their families to her house daily for secret gatherings. Consider what will happen if one of those women or their family members have been exposed. Your boredom is not more important than people's lives. It is such individuals that have probably caused the massive spread happening in Europe. They only make the jobs of the medical community harder.

Do you know that some nurses and doctors have had to leave their homes and their families to protect them? Do you know they are putting their lives on the line for us? Do you realize many of them may never see their parents, spouses, or children again? Think. Reflect. Do not make their sacrifices for naught.

I watched a video on Facebook the other day. It was done by an English nurse. She lived with her mother-in-law and three-year-old daughter. She had to leave. Can you imagine the pain of leaving your three-year-old child behind and not knowing if you'll ever see her again?

Yet, she is just one of many.

People have also shown horrifying tendencies toward greed in this panic. In most countries, the shelves have been wiped clean of masks, sanitizer, and toilet paper. They are hoarding supplies like the end of the world has come upon them.

1. If the end of the world does indeed come, endless packages of toilet paper, masks, and sanitizer certainly will not protect you.

How does this even make sense? This illogical panic and greed that has come upon people has only depleted the medical community of supplies they need.

2. Being excessive and greedy is not the appropriate behavior of a Muslim.

As Muslims, we should never be extravagant and excessive in our needs. We are supposed to follow a middle path, neither being restrictive nor excessive.

وَلَا تُسۡرِفُوٓاْۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُسۡرِفِينَ

And do not be not excessive. Indeed, He (Allâh) likes not those who commit excess.

[Al-A'râf - 7:31]

3. We are supposed to be generous, charitable, and spend upon those who need help.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَنفِقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقۡنَٰكُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَ يَوۡمٌ لَّا بَيۡعٌ فِيهِ وَلَا خُلَّةٌ وَلَا شَفَٰعَةٌ

O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession.

[Al-Baqarah - 2:254]

Buying excessive amounts of cleaning and hygienic supplies and depleting the stores, preventing those who are in actual need from finding what they seek, is the exact opposite of how we should behave. And there are consequences for that.

It was narrated from Abû Hurayrah (may Allâh be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) said, "There is no day on which the people get up but two angels come down and one of them says, 'O Allâh, give in compensation to the one who spends (in charity),' and the other says, 'O Allâh, destroy the one who withholds.'"

Beware of selfishness. Whims and desires will only harm you and others.

Beware of greed. It will spill over and its effects will hurt those in need.

Be thoughtful. Be considerate. Be patient. Be generous. This is a test for us, but can you pass it?