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Calamity and Charity, Emdad Khan

We wonder what’s happenings around us. The invisible micro virus is currently controlling our day to day life all over the world. All the mighty military, politicians, technologists, scientists, engineers, physicians look like they are unable to do something except encourage others to stay locked down at home, maintaining self-isolation and maintain social distance.

Allah (SWT) may test some of us with calamities, even when it is hard and may test some other people with blessings. Many tragic events that happen in our life comes as tests from the Almighty, but difficult to explain. But Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an:

“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits of your toil but give glad tidings to those who are patient.”

Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 155

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  says in a hadith:

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.”

(Sahih Muslim, 2999).

If not for the trials of this world, we could become arrogant, self-boasting and it will to our doom in this world and in the Hereafter.

By panicking, the calamity does not go away, it makes things worse. Being patient and striving sincerely to overcome the challenges is rewarded by Allah (SWT) that is enough for us and many times greater. The Most Wise and the Most Merciful, Allah (SWT) did not send this calamity in order to destroy us, rather He is checking on us, testing our patience, acceptance, and faith.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ says in another hadith:

“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi). He added that: “Sadaqa extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire. Sadaqa appeases Allah’s anger and averts evil. And even a smile in your brother’s face is sadaqa.”

The Almighty has guaranteed about our provision, under all circumstances. Even in calamity/crisis, every human being will get the provisions, simply trying in an ethical way and having faith and trust in Allah (SWT).

“Do they not know that Allah extends the provision for whom He wills, and restricts it? Indeed, in this are signs for who have Faith!”

Surah Az-Zumar, Verse 52

The sender of the calamity has also given us a process for our rectification.

Allah (SWT) commands:”

” …therefore Read as much of the Quran as may be easy for you, Establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; And Loan to Allah, a beautiful Loan, and whatever you send forth for yourself, you will find it with Allah. Yes, Better and Greater in reward, and seek His Forgiveness, as He is Forgiver and Most Merciful”.

Surah Al-Muzzammil, Verse 20

In the new emerging world order, by the will of Allah (SWT) we will strive to be good to family, community, country and will be more kind, humble and caring.

As calamity can not pass over charity, let us be more generous to the elderly, parents, needy, orphans, neighbours, strangers, and captives.