Rokiah Mahmud
COVID-19 has impacted people not only economically and socially but also psychologically. Thus, apart from adhering to the health protocols put forward by the government, Muslims need to practise Tawakkal and accept the pandemic as a test from Allah the Almighty.
This was said by Ustaz Dato’ Haji Badli Shah bin Haji Alaudin of Sultan Ahmad I State Mosque in Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia yesterday during his presentation on ‘The Application of Divine Vaccines and Religious SOPs in Families and Communities in Facing the Epidemic: Holistic Education Guided by Al-Quran and As-Sunnah’, as part of a seminar on the ‘Understanding of Divine Vaccine and Religious SOP Education’ in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022).
“We ought to practise Doa or supplication, recite Zikir and communicate with Allah the Almighty,” he said. “These religious practices will provide us with transcendental strength to bring about peace of mind to direct us away from the fears and anxieties.”
Ustaz Dato’ Haji Badli Shah added that divine vaccine is a series of rituals that can lead to calmness of the heart and mind, such as the recitation of Doa Qunut Nazilah and Surah Yaasiin as well as the reading of Al-Quran.
He also believes that the understanding of religious SOPs need to be broadened, especially in ensuring good health in accordance with Maqasid Syariah.
Ustaz Dr Abdul Somad Batubara from Indonesia during his lecture on ‘Kehebatan Pendekatan Vaksin Ketuhanan dan SOP Ugama Dalam Menghadapi Wabak’ (The Greatness of Divine Vaccine Approach and Religious SOP in Facing the Epidemic) touched on the fact that epidemic is not a new phenomenon. As such, the world should take notes from the people of the past in tackling the crisis today.
He said, “One must remember that, in facing life during a pandemic, we as servants of Allah the Almighty should not merely consider it as a punishment but an opportunity to obtain blessings for having strong faith in Allah the Almighty’s plan.”
Meanwhile, researcher Hatijah binti Hashim from the Penang Consumer Association in Malaysia said the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) joined forces with various associations in Malaysia when the country implemented a movement control order to fight the spread of COVID-19. She believes movement restrictions have changed people’s view on life and led them to accept a new reality.
“Various initiatives were carried out, including providing assistance to the needy in terms of money, food and clothes,” she said. “Malaysia also introduced the vaccination programme as part of the drive to control the spread of the virus.”
However, she added, “one of the main challenges among the Muslims was the issue of non-halal ingredients in the production of the vaccine.”
Hatijah referenced Maqasid Syariah in saying that in emergency situations, it is more important to focus on saving lives and treating debilitating illnesses.
