At the point of writing this, official figures suggest that more than 90,000 cases (and counting) have been reported of COVID-19, of which over 15,000 are from outside of China. Of this figure, around 95 percent are from four countries – China, South Korea, Italy and Iran – with a ship in quarantine, Diamond Princess, following with over 700 cases.
While statistics remain uncertain, there is a huge worldwide scare as to the devastation it can bring around the world, not merely health-wise, but economically and otherwise.
Currently in the UK, hand sanitisers are scarce, face masks are said to not have much effect and new statistics suggest that if – or when – the virus reaches its peak, a fifth of the working population could be absent from their jobs.
Certain countries have prohibited large gatherings in an attempt to prevent further spread of COVID-19, while others have discouraged shaking hands, aimlessly socialising and some are considering proposing to employees to work from home.
As this all unfolds, there are talks of the virus potentially slowing down in parts of the major affected regions.
We all understand such occurrences to be proof of the advent of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him.
In no way does this mean that we believe it to be a good thing that innocent people are suffering.
However, famines, earthquakes, diseases and various natural disasters were all foretold hundreds of years prior to Hazrat Ahmad’sas advent.
Not only that, but Hazrat Ahmadas spoke explicitly about the coming of such signs in times to come and the real wisdom behind them. The Promised Messiahas says:
“Not only earthquakes, but other terrible calamities will also appear, some from heaven and some from earth. This will occur because mankind has abandoned the worship of their God, and have fallen upon materialism with all their heart, all their resolve, and all their thoughts. Had I not come, these calamities might have been delayed a little, but with my coming the hidden designs of God’s wrath that had remained hidden for a long time, have been manifested as God said:
وَ مَا کُنَّا مُعَذِّبِیۡنَ حَتّٰی نَبۡعَثَ رَسُوۡلًا
[We shall never punish until we have sent a messenger (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17: V.16)].
Those who repent shall find security and those who fear before the calamity overtakes them will be shown mercy.” (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Haqiqatul-Wahi, p. 327)
Let us pray that mankind repents and fears their Lord, for this is the only way to avoid tragedy on a mass scale. As Ahmadi Muslims, we reiterate that we will be at the forefront of serving our fellow humans in times of difficulty. And when there is peace and calm, you will still find us at the forefront, but this time, serving humanity spiritually.