How the Salaf behaved during Plagues

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 ©