SEEKING GOD'S MERCY IN CRISIS

WE are now facing perhaps the greatest crisis of history. This is the challenge of tackling Coronavirus. This unprecedented situation demands that we should call out to our Creator, the Lord of the worlds. The present coronavirus pandemic should revive within us the spirit of worshipping God. Some people interpret this outbreak as a punishment for the transgressions of man and the coming of the Day of Judgment. I am of the opinion that this state of affairs is a reminder for all of us to turn towards God, beseech Him in all earnestness, to remember Him and mend our ways. Through this crisis, the strengthening of the bond between man and God should become stronger.

One should never forget that catastrophes of such magnitude demand that we show unity, solidarity and affection towards one and all, rather than getting involved in petty politics, untimely criticisms, and promoting negativity. In such moments, the whole world should come together to call out to their Lord. God does not refuse to answer when the entire humanity calls out to Him.

There are two approaches, I believe, that must be diligently followed. We should follow the advice and guidelines of the government and health experts. Second, we must remember God Almighty and seek His forgiveness for our mistakes of corrupting nature. When a person calls out to his Creator, God definitely answers.

I recall an incident of my life that occurred in the year 1940. I was in the town of Sarai Mir in UP. The monsoon did not arrive in time, resulting in a drought-like situation. The agrarian population was troubled a great deal. Our teacher, Maulana Sayyid was deeply venerated by the people of the town. At the insistence of people, he went out to a field with a few people.

He prayed to God with outstretched hands: “O God, your servants are thirsty! Will You not pour down rain upon them?” I too was present in this gathering with him. We read two units of prayer afterwards and returned to Sarai Mir. When we had left for the field, it was all dry around us, but while we were returning, it had started raining. We had started our journey amidst dryness, but on our return journey our clothes were drenched. This happened right before my eyes in the year 1940. This goes on to prove that earnest prayers in severe times brings down God’s mercy and benevolent attention.

In these difficult times, I pray to God: “O Lord, O Merciful God, O Creator, shower your mercy on us! Bring an end to this crisis. Take this crisis and difficulty away from us. Have mercy on us. We are your creation. We are waiting for Your mercy. O God, we are helpless. We cannot do anything without Your help. Have mercy on us. O Noble God, have mercy on us. O God, Your Messenger had said:‘Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Bi-rahmatika Astageeth.’ I will repeat this. ‘Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Bi-rahmatika Astageeth.’ This means: “O Living God, O Sustaining God, in Your mercy we seek help.”