The present crisis, COVID-19 disease in the world, is different from any other previous world crises. This tiny and invisible virus has killed lakhs of people all around the world and made the medical science really desperate.
COVID-19, initially was associated with China, but in a short time, it has travelled across the globe, crossing the national boundaries without any visa, passport or security check. The virus became such a super power that it has controlled the life of man with a mask and sanitizer. It has become the problem of every human being in the world, like a battle which has no ethnicity, caste, colour or religion”. It’s indeed a battle, but we will win.
Coronavirus has created fear in many people, some are shattered, some turned hopeless, some jobless, some fled back to home countries and some persons and families felt alienated. However, history has proved that human beings are inclined to turn to prayer in time of crisis, Asking, “Oh God, where do we go now”. Spirituality and spiritual life is the foundation of human existence and today it is getting more attention to global health.
The pandemic situation has brought disintegration in the daily spiritual life and routine of many people in the world. It has crippled the public spiritual practices very tangibly. We had to close down all the Churches, temples, mosques and all other worship places overnight.
A story was once told about a famous Inventor whose laboratory blew up in fire. But when others asked him about the bad situation, he replied, “Good, all my mistakes of the past have been erased”. Same way, COVID-19 can be seen as an opportunity, to erase the past mistakes in our spiritual practices. It has silently taken a different turn in the spirituality, prayer and worship in the life of people across the globe. This pandemic time has offered an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual impact it has on the personal life, on the world and the communities around. Everyone found ways of making their heart and homes, a place of remaining connected to the sacred. Remaining indoors, it is incredible to note that many people made the corners of their homes as places of worship and prayer. They created their own altars, Sreekovils and prayer corners. This has created confidence atleast in some people that, we are capable of having access to God by our own sincere devotion and prayer. It can be seen as true in the words of Jesus “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”.
Prophet of Islam has said 1400 years ago, “Cleanliness is half of the faith and faith leads a man to heaven”, he also adds, “If you hear that plague or any other dangerous infectious disease has broken out in a land, do not go to it; but if it breaks out in a land where you are living, stay at home in your city”. In Nigeria, when Ebola disease was broke out, the federal government advised taking the counsel of Prophet Mohammad, who urged Muslims to cleanliness and wash their hands frequently.
This crisis time urges us to “be empathetic to those who got affected’ and not to address people with the disease as “COVID-19 cases. It is proved today, that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic patients have expressed that their belief in God and prayer gives them strength and find it as their coping mechanism. Yoga from Hinduism and mindful meditation from Buddhism has made a positive impact in times of trauma, abandonment and alienation.
The COVID-19 pandemic reminds and challenges us, spiritual beings that, to alleviate this suffering from the world, a divine intervention is an absolute necessity today. This crisis has taught us to keep ourselves, our homes, worship places and surroundings clean. Because God resides in a heart and home that is pure and clean.
