By Mukhtar Oyetunji
Oftentimes, humans are in need of setting priorities to suit conditions and circumstances. In Islamic Jurisprudence, this is a whole subject of study in itself termed Fiqhul Awlawiyaat. Just as priorities are set, the necessary tools needed to achieve them must also be set while abiding by all dictates within the permissible limits of Islam.
In academic terms, this can be likened to the Theory of needs which emphasises the need to set priorities and draw up a scale of preference from which needs and wants can be fulfilled in the particular order.
Similarly, the month of Ramadan presents Muslims the necessity to understand the need(s) of this auspicious period and the important tools/means to achieve it
Though in economic terms, man’s wants are unlimited, diverse and insatiable.
However, as it affects Muslims and the World at large especially in this month of Ramadan, there’s a sense of unism in wants/needs.
So much has been made of the prevailing condition of the world tilting towards the fact/sentiment especially from religious quarters that sins are the cause of our travails.
Although this is perceived by some as a myopic and over-simplistic way to explain the situation especially given the scientific explanations offered by medical authorities of the world.
Despite the fact that it will be foolhardy to simply push aside the scientific and medical outlook to the case of COVID-19 with its ravaging effects across the world, I think its high time we took a more religious look into this.
To start with Allah (SWT) says in Surah Ar- Ra’ad Q13vs11:
…surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition; and when Allah intends evil to a people, there is no averting it, and besides Him, they have no protector.
The above verse states clearly that whatever situation we find ourselves is the indeed the consequences of our own actions. Likewise, Allah says in Surah An-Nisa Q4 Verse 79:Whatever benefit comes to you (O man!), it is from Allah, and whatever misfortune befalls you, it is from yourself, and We have sent you (O Prophet!), to mankind as an apostle; and Allah is sufficient as a witness.
The above verse also corroborates the message of the earlier quoted verse thereby emphasising that man is only a product of his actions and will earn whatever he sows.
To put this into perspective, it is a fact that the world is bedeviled with so much vices and Muslims are not left out of this. Infact Muslims have become collaborators, if not major perpetrators of sins, vices and wrongs on individual and collective basis.
The effect of this is seen in everyday life with examples not far fetched.
Indeed, Allah(SWT) has talked about the prevalence of sins and corruption amongst men. He says in Surah Ar-Ruum, Q30 Verse 41:
Corruption has appeared in the land and the sea on account of what the hands of men have wrought, that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, so that they may return.
The verse surely caps the fact that mankind is only suffering as result of his actions. The interesting point however is the end of the verse in which lies the solution… So that they may return…
Dear beloved, its time we returned to Allah(SWT) by way of sincere repentance.
It is time for sober reflections and proper repentance from all major and minor sins.
Indeed the emergence of COVID-19 is simply a reminder of the utmost need for us all to return and flee unto Allah knowing that there is no refuge besides him.
Allah says in Suratudh Dhaariyat Q 51vs 50……and flee unto Allah…
Dear beloved it is the time to flee unto Allah knowing it is by far the most imporant need of this Hour. It is pertinent to repent sincerely to Allah that we may look forward to better days.
Its time to submit and repent to Allah that he may forgive us our sins and bestow on us his endless mercies and bounties and grant us goodness in both worlds just as he says in Surah At-Tahrim Q66 Verse 8 as follows:
O you who believe! turn to Allah a sincere turning; maybe your Lord will remove from you your evil and cause you to enter gardens beneath which rivers flow, on the day on which Allah will not abase the Prophet and those who believe with him; their light shall run on before them and on their right hands; they shall say: Our Lord! make perfect for us our light, and grant us protection, surely Thou hast power over all things.
The need of this hour is indeed Sincere Repentance!
Mukhtar Oyelakin Oyetunji
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