Multivitamins… Immune boosters… Black seed oil… Senna tea…
All these – and many other substances – are currently selling like ‘hot cakes’ as people hope that these will help their bodies to resist the Coronavirus. Thereafter, if one contracts the virus and falls ill, then there are many other medications that people will take and treatments that they will pursue in the effort to shake off the illness and regain good health.
However, while strengthening our bodies and immune systems, and taking medication when ill, we must not forget that these means will only be effective if Allah Ta‘ala allows, as He alone can protect us from sickness and cure us when we are ill. Hence, we must remember to turn to Him by giving sadaqah and engaging in du‘aa.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Protect your wealth through (discharging) zakaat, treat your sick through sadaqah, and prepare for the waves of calamities through du‘aa and turning to Allah Ta‘ala in humility.” (Maraaseel Abi Dawood #105)
In this hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged us to give sadaqah for people suffering from sicknesses and ailments. Hence, we should try to give some sadaqah on a daily basis (even if it be just a small amount that we can manage) with the hope that Allah Ta‘ala will accept it and bless the patient with a complete recovery.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also advised us to hold firmly to du‘aa and crying before Allah Ta‘ala with humility when anticipating waves of calamities. Hence, during the ‘waves’ of the Coronavirus, we should not neglect to regularly beg Allah Ta‘ala to eliminate this virus, and cure those who have been affected by it. Apart from other times, we should try to make this du‘aa after every salaah, as this is a time when du‘aas are readily accepted.
May Allah Ta‘ala save us from all illnesses and bless all those who are sick with a complete, speedy recovery, aameen.