As we begin the new year children are may or may no be returning to brick and mortar schools with many health protocols and uncertainties facing society. Masks are now part of the back to school requirements. It’s not normal for our kids to be masked. Let’s be honest. It’s strange. It’s anti-social. We can’t see their beautiful smiles. Neither can their teachers nor classmates. There is an underlying fear of developing symptoms along with the spreading of the virus in addition to the vaccine controversy. Returning to our old normal is not possible. We have to move forward in our new reality with Covaid19. How do we move forward with this new reality?
There’s one answer. Tawakkul Allah; trust in Allah and His plan. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah wrote down the decrees of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.” Saheeh Muslim (2653) This includes the trial that is Covaid19.
This life is nothing but trial. We are all being tested with Covaid19 and what has come with it; social distancing, masks, vaccines, higher anxiety and mental health concerns and more. In addition we still have individual tests marital discord, illness, rebellious children, difficult family or work colleagues and more. Allah says: Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent -[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving. (Surah Al-Mulk 67: 1-2)
This life is a test whether it’s difficulties or blessings. The test itself is less important than our response. Allah says: And as for man, when his Lord tries him and [thus] is generous to him and favors him, he says, "My Lord has honored me." But when He tries him and restricts his provision, he says, "My Lord has humiliated me." (Surah Al-Fajr 89: 15,16)
Allah reminds us that blessings are also tests. How do we respond; Are we grateful or prideful for our blessings? This is our test as we enter into this new phase. Are we grateful for the blessings we do have? Our lives are moving forward, maybe not in the way we hoped or planned but we must trust Allah.“…It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (Surah Baqarah 2:216)
As parents and educators we need to take a deep breath and reflect on our own response before we can support our children’s response. Mental Health is fragile in today's quickly changing world. There’s a lot of uncertainty as we navigate through the pandemic as the fourth wave rises. We need to take time to check our own mental health. How do we gain confidence in this uncertainty? Tawakkul Allah; trust in Allah and His plan. Trusting Allah gives us peace of mind.
Reflect on the meaning Ayat ul-Kursi: Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Surah Baqarah 2:255)
Let’s think about: Who is in charge of our affairs? Who has the ability to end this pandemic? Whose Knowledge is complete? Who has complete power over our world? As Muslims we have an advantage in that we can pour our hearts out to Allah and leave our pain, anxiety, frustration and worries with Him. And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record. (Surah Al-An'am 6:59)
Allah knows our uncertainty, but He is not uncertain. He is All-Knowing and All-Wise. As we move forward in this uncertain new world. Allah has our back. We need to take the proper actions and leave the results to Allah. We need to strengthen our resolve through salat, seeking protection through daily adhkar (remembrance of Allah) and follow safety protocols advised by health professionals. As our prophet advised, “Tie your camel first, and then put your trust in Allah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2517)
Now that we’ve taken time to reassure ourselves we need to support our children.
