How the Salaf behaved during Plagues
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Hisham the companion of Imam Ad-Dustoowa’I said : “ We used to frequently visit a scholar in Fiqh , but when the plague befell us we preferred praying ,and those two Rakah were more beloved to us than seeking knowledge.”
Malik ibn Deenar said: “Take advantage of doing good deeds during the plague. These kinds of acts are like a booty which isn’t found all the time. This includes burying the martyrs during the outbreak. Offering the funeral prayers, washing the deceased, and burying them during a plague is among the greatest deeds to draw near to Allah.”
Al-Hafith Abu Nuaym said: I saw Bedouin heading towards a funeral prayer and he was saying,” Bravo ! Bravo! Glad tidings for you!” Then I asked the Bedouin, do you know him. He replied no I don’t but, he’s going on to the Most Merciful.”
Some of the Salaf said: “Make the most of acts of worship that you normally wouldn’t do during the days of plagues; as every act of worship during at its time is a treasure.”
Malik ibn Deenar said: “The blessings lie with our youth so gather them and pray with them.”
Al-Imam Al-Manbaji 785 H said: The people of knowledge are aware that no calamity comes from the heavens except by way of sins and disobedience, and the only way the calamity can be lifted through repentance and to stop sinning. Moreover, one has to also stop oppressing people, frequently give charity, maintain family ties and draw closer to Allah with extra acts of worship. Furthermore the calamity will be lifted when a person offers the obligatory acts of worship in their proper times, fast correctly and do good deeds. What’s more the people must also have regret for delaying their repentance to Allah. Then they need to change from doing things that Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) don’t like, and then have the firm will in his heart to never go back to that state. These are the three conditions of repentance. i.e Regret, removing the state of sinning, and having the resolve to remain upright thereafter.
Taken from : The Plague and the rulings regarding it by Imam Al-Manbaji 785H , pg 241-244
Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
Doha, Qatar 1441 ©