So as we plod on, let’s ask ourselves, do we choose to complain or choose to deal? When all this is over Insha Allah and we look back on these months, how do we want to picture ourselves?
So as we plod on, let’s ask ourselves, do we choose to complain or choose to deal? When all this is over Insha Allah and we look back on these months, how do we want to picture ourselves?
We are all doing our best to effectively respond and cope with the current worldwide COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Most of us are now a good few weeks into the global lockdown, staying home and socially isolating, trying to adjust to this “new way of life”.
No doubt it comes with real challenges, and we each experience it at different levels. For some, it’s a minor disruption, whilst for others it has completely shifted our lives out of whack and we battle to find ways to handle it so we can simply survive. As part of our own personal management plan, how about we step back for a second and reflect on what this new lifestyle and unfamiliar world that we are facing means to us?
We could start with this verse from the Holy Quran (94:5) where Allah (SWT) promises us:
“With hardship, there is ease.”
And as we are going through one of the biggest crises in the modern world, if we apply this verse, then it is perfectly reasonable (and not just wishful) for us to find some good in the current situation too! This can provide hope and a sense of relief to know that there is something to gain right now, even while we are in the thick of this crisis. While doing some introspection myself, these are some positives aspects that I have found that the crisis has brought to light:
1. Reminding us of our ultimate goal
Ibn Taymiyyah (renowned Islamic theologian and scholar) beautifully said: “A calamity that makes you turn to Allah(God) is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah (God).”
If we can remember Allah during these difficult days, then there is good that can come to us to take from being in this situation. It is an opportunity for us to remember that everything comes from Him – this includes the trial but also the relief. We can use this time to strengthen our faith (Imaan), and get onto the other side of this as stronger Muslims, Inshallah.
2. Ability to refocus our time
Given we are primarily home and our responsibilities may have shifted, we can optimise our time and energy in a more productive way. Meaning, as we are “forced” into a new lifestyle due to being sheltered at home, it also gives us a chance to shake things up especially if we found ourselves in a mundane routine.
We can now structure our day more efficiently to make things work better for us. For example, I always thought I needed to take the kids out to have fun – but I am realising that there are just as fulfilling – and less expensive ways to enjoy their company, such as cooking together or trying a new craft.
3. Appreciating everything big and small that we have in our lives
As we have been stripped down to basics of our health, home and family, we can start to prioritise and focus on what’s important. We can now see what holds most value for us, and ensure that there is a proportionate amount of time and effort dedicated to that. At the same time, there are things we miss that we will surely not take for granted once we come out of the crisis Insha Allah – like being able to stroll in the park, or meeting a friend for coffee.
4. Less pressure to be out
We can have no guilt for being home in pyjamas all day. Or for not taking the kids out for their fifth playground outing this week (and its just Tuesday!)
5. Simpler days
By knowing we will be home every day, that’s all we need to focus on when planning our week – home food, home activities, home life and nothing more, nothing less. We might miss going out, but the simplicity of the day is healthy for our minds as well – and gives a break from the frantic life out there!
6. More interesting use of technology for connection, education and fun
New opportunities for ‘sofa’ based travel and sightseeing, for example, have been incredible. For me, group video calls with family abroad have been amazing – I wonder why we have never thought of this before!
7. Never before have we lived so much in the moment
Appreciating each unique day and not having to look beyond the next 2-3 weeks has been so refreshing. Sure there is fear and uncertainty. But at the same time, the complexity of life has been broken down so we are all just aiming our attention to getting through the week (for some just the day!), and living like Muslims should really be – present, aware, and turning to Allah.
Besides these personal advantages gained, the environmental and community benefits being noted are numerous, so as this kind of lifestyle becomes our new “normal”, I’m sure there will be even more we can learn and grow from Insha Allah.
So as we plod on, let’s ask ourselves, do we choose to complain or choose to deal? When all this is over Insha Allah and we look back on these months, how do we want to picture ourselves? We have a moment here to thoughtfully free our minds from the panic and worry and ground ourselves in dealing with reality and actually finding some good, Insha Allah.
Share with us your personal positive gains from the crisis and let us inspire each other.
