Al-Qalam 
Families whose loved ones perished as a result of the virus must take comfort knowing that their dearly departed will not only be granted salvation, but will also achieve the high status of a shahid, writes Imam Dr Rashied Omar.
Many if not all of us, have during the past few months experienced the sudden passing of a family member or a close friend as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Death and bereavement are ordinarily painful human experiences but what makes it even more difficult is the fact that in this time of the coronavirus pandemic when our loved ones are suddenly hospitalized, we are confronted with the agony of not being able to visit them. If they die in hospital, they are all alone and without us being able to provide them with our presence, love and care during those terminal and last moments of their lives.
It is a depressing and surreal experience that has been vividly captured in the reflections of a number of individuals who have lost loved ones under these circumstances. I would like to provide some Islamic guidelines that may provide us with some solace in managing such a difficult, painful and surreal situation.
First and foremost, the Coronavirus which is a life-threatening and highly infectious disease should remind us about the transient nature of life and move us all to redouble our commitment to strive harder to live with each other in compassion and loving kindness.
Second, as conscientious Muslims we should also always be prepared for death as the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reminds us in the following hadith: “Be in the world as if you are a stranger or a wayfarer passing through.” (Bukhari) Always being prepared for death should be seen as a sign of God-consciousness (taqwa). This includes not only being spiritually prepared, but also practically prepared for death. As such, as families we should not shy away from talking about arrangements for death. In this time of pandemic especially, it is important that we all have information at hand, including names and contact numbers of Muslim funeral undertakers, Burial societies and Muslim cemeteries. We should inform ourselves of the protocols and arrangements that should be adhered to for janazahs during lockdown, whether Covid related or not.
Recitation
Notwithstanding the difficult situation we are facing, it has been truly inspirational to witness how many families have been able to manage the janazah under lockdownwith decorum and dignity. For example, families have been able to make the arrangements for the recitation of a khatm al-Qur’an online before the burial and in the grieving days after the funeral. Moreover, some funeral undertakers have been kind enough to offer the family a small consolation by driving pass the house with the mayyit, and offering a brief prayer on their way to the graveyard (maqbarah). There are many more creative and innovative ways in which families have coped with the death of a loved one and provided support to each other during bereavement under this pandemic time.
Thirdly, during this challenging time, even if we or family members are in hospital or are ill, we should always stay positive, we should never lose hope of recovery, and we should always put our trust in Allah (tawakkalna `alaAllah). If our only contact with family members in hospital is via the phone, then whenever we are able to speak to our loved ones we should provide them with hope and encouragement. Inform the patient that their loved ones and friends are all earnestly praying for their healing and recovery. Gently remind them to bear their illness with patience and forbearance (sabr) and to keep their lips moist with the Kalimah Shahada, the testimony of faith. If possible, the family should also try to arrange with the hospital staff or doctors to provide whatever spiritual support may be possible.
Fourth, and finally, we should console each other with the firm belief that our deceased loved ones who have succumbed to the Coronavirus will not only be granted salvation in the hereafter, but will achieve the high status of a shahid i.e. a martyr.
The trauma of the loss of a loved one under these challenging pandemic times, will live with us forever and we should seriously consider keeping a special record of the names of all of those who died, often alone under these challenging circumstances and convene a special memorial service to honour all these noble souls when we emerge from the pandemic.
