Prophet Muhammad (PBUH 1 ) said: When Allah (SWT 2 ) loves someone, He tries him with hardships 3 . This global pandemic we are currently witnessing is an accurate example of a test and hardship from Allah, and patience is the fundamental aspect of a believer which is crucial to help us deal with these extraordinary times. Indeed, there is wisdom behind everything that Allah wills. Let us explore the benefits of some teachings of the Prophet and Islam that will help us through.

As a result of social isolation, anxiety and depression rates are increasing while causing people to develop COVID fatigue due to the decreasing levels of patience.

A hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi outlines the story of a Bedouin man who was leaving his camel without tying it. The Prophet (PBUH 1 ) asked him “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet then replied, “Tie your camel first, and then put your trust in Allah.” 4

It is essential to first fulfill the necessary requirements to adapt to your needs while maintaining trust in Allah. Although the length of this time is not guaranteed, it is vital to continue retaining your guard while making dua for ease in these unusual times.

With COVID variants and cases on the rise, it is obligatory for the population to follow pandemic guidelines. However,
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH 1 ) already introduced the Islamic guidelines 1400 years ago. He advised us to refrain from
entering an outbreak area or remain in the infected area (if you are presently living in one) until the crisis is over.

The wisdom behind the advice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH 1 ) is exceptional. Although these steps would have been
more advantageous to follow at the beginning of the pandemic, if they are still continued to be taken seriously, the spread of the disease and its mutations could potentially stop.

Purity is a prominent aspect emphasized by Islam, as cleanliness is half of the faith. Recent studies show that
approximately 80% of communicable diseases are spread by touch 5 . Therefore, washing your hands five times a day
significantly decreases the frequency of influenza, colds and other diseases.

In light of these statistics, the daily lifestyle of an average Muslim consists of performing wudhu 6 before each of the five prayers. Therefore, our Islamic practices correlate with the present guidelines, putting us ahead of the hygiene game. It is unbelievably impressive how a simple habit like wudhu 6 is so beneficial for the body, as much as it revitalizes the soul.

The teachings discussed in this article are only a few of the several hadiths that speak to the benefits that can help us cope and protect ourselves through the pandemic. We can see how simple practices that have been implemented in our daily lives have such a powerful influence on our health and hope, something we should be thankful to have as it is regarded as a privilege for many people. Aside from these points, we should remember that “Indeed with every hardship comes ease” 7 .

1 Peace be upon him
2 Subhanahu wa ta’ala (Arabic for “the most glorified, the most high”)
3 Sahih Al-Bukhari
4 Hadith Narrated by al-Tirmidhi
5 BC Centre for Disease Control
6 Ablution
7 Quran (94:6)