Staying Dis(Connected)

We are a couple of months into Quarantine and some of us are fairing better than others. This is indeed a weird time to be alive as we are living in what will be recorded as one of the largest pandemics recorded in history. This lock-down has had an impact on all of us, some miss their friends at school while others going to the beach on the weekends. It is a fact that this crisis at hand will leave a scar on many of us for the years to come. The world will be a different place and the normal we once knew will never be the one we will be returning too. It is at this time we must learn and come to an understanding that we are together in spirit and essence despite being apart in the physical realm. The inevitable damage to society, especially from the psychological viewpoint, can be reduced or be somewhat countered only by allowing us as a people to come together despite us being separated.

Language plays a vital role in human life, well we all already know that duh! But what’s important is the way we communicate to the masses in times of distress. Many of us were unfamiliar with what “social distancing” meant or was a couple of months ago; now we are living its reality. Language is something indefinite as opposed to math, which is absolute. Meaning, our understanding of terms can vary leading to different conclusions. The term “social distancing” is somewhat misleading as it implies “not socializing”. However, what needs to be understood is that it refers to physical distancing. This term, if understood to mean “not socializing”, can be chaotic in a sense because it implies not communicating with others. This may cause people to start cutting off any form of communication from their friends and family. Many health organizations are opting for the term “safe distancing” or “physical distancing” after careful consideration. People who understand the implications of language and how it can sway people’s understanding will agree to why the change of terms is entirely logical. This change of terminology is an indication of how important it is for us to stay together while being apart.

Humanity is built on brotherhood and community ideally. Although we have times in history where greed manifested in some individuals that led to some horrible times. However, history also shows us how many civilizations that flourished had a lot to do with the people sticking together through thick and thin. A great example of this is the time of the Prophet Muhammed ﷺ and the Rashidun Caliphate. The best thing we can do right now during this crisis is stick together as a community. Along with showing common courtesy, it is imperative that we check up on people close to us. We remain connected while apart and this way we will emerge from this crisis fairing better than if cut everyone off entirely.

This hadith from our Apostle, Muhamed ﷺ, is one that we should reflect on in this time and also implement.

Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5665, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586)

This hadith shows us the importance of us sticking together and staying connected. It describes the believers as a single body and that we all are connected at a spiritual level. When one of us is harmed we deal with the pain as a community, not every man for himself. Islam teaches us to tackle hardships as a community, not try to see what’s good for oneself only. This hadith also teaches us to look out for one another and reach out to others one might know, who are struggling, with a helping hand. Let us follow these prophetic teachings during these trying times and band together, while dealing with the crisis at hand as a community.

Let us not become overwhelmed by loneliness and grief by staying connected via the many tools the internet has provided for us. Let us look at this as a moment of reflection on how we can benefit those who might be going through more troubles. Many teens use their friends as a way to cope with their stress. So, if you have friends or members of your family that you know needs someone to talk to then if you can, make yourself available to them. Hopefully, by understanding each other’s needs we will come out of this quarantine with less trauma and healthier mental states then if we isolate ourselves from the rest of the community.

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