Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Husaini has called upon its cadre to serve people during the second wave of the pandemic.
In an online speech, primarily addressing to the JIH members and sympathizers, Husaini said: “As the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hits us with all its ferocity, I call upon the cadre of the Jamaat to dedicate themselves for the cause of helping and serving the people of our country. Our work shall mainly be on the three fronts: Creating awareness, serving people and reminding them of the spiritual and moral dimension of the pandemic. There are many myths and lies being spread around the pandemic and its treatment. Unfortunately, these have resulted in many problems and even loss of life. Misinterpreting the tenets of faith to justify violation of Covid appropriate behavior is ignorance and must be avoided at all costs. Protecting life is one the fundamental canons of Islam and it is not wise to endanger lives by ignoring the basic safety protocols related to wearing of masks and hand hygiene. At this juncture, everybody must wear masks in mosques and follow social distancing norms during congregational prayers. Life and death are in the hand of God, our responsibility lies in following all the necessary precautions and then having trust in God. We must not delay medications and medical advice after the onset of symptoms as it leads to complications and adding to the burden on our healthcare system. Our members and associates should be role models for this scientific and rational approach. We must also create awareness in society about it.”
The JIH chief further said: “It is also important that we come forward to help the needy and the sick during this ongoing pandemic. Our service should be for all without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion. We firmly believe that this service to humanity is an Islamic obligation and shall receive divine succor and the highest reward. The Quran spells out clearly that the one who saves even one life is as if he saved the entire humanity. After following all safety-protocols, please go out and help the sick and the needy. Do not leave them alone. Help them to get hospitalized and access to medical care if required. Arrange for oxygen and establish Covid-Care Centers, wherever resources permit. Convert your automobiles to temporary ambulances and provide financial assistance. Dying a slow death, due to lack of the provision of oxygen is an insult to the entire humanity. Do all you can to prevent such a situation. We are indebted to our doctors and paramedic staff; our youth must come forward to help people under their guidance. Boost the morale of people and get people out of depression. This is a trial and tribulation from our Lord and we must face it with complete trust in Him.”
The other aspect of the pandemic towards which the JIH President pointed out was its spiritual and moral dimension.
He said: “We must demonstrate our Islamic character by serving humanity in its hour of crisis by having complete faith in divine providence. We must also discharge our duty to remind people of their Creator and Sustainer. Society must be told to introspect regarding their sins and inequities both as a nation and as well at a personal level. Trials and tribulations present an opportunity towards gaining spiritual insight, seeking pardon and turning towards God. Let us pray in this holy month of Ramadan and ask our Lord to pardon us and grant relief from this pandemic and bring about an early end to this ordeal and suffering.”
