1. PROLOGUE
1.1 Nature of Coronavirus-19
Generally speaking the virus is a non-cellular microorganism. It contains genetic substance (DNA or RNA). A virus particle is surrounded by protein coating. Coronavirus is a family of viruses. It is crown like in shape and varies in characteristics from region to region. It is one of the fastest proliferating viruses.
1.2 Coronavirus-19 Spread Update
It first appeared in Wuhan (China) in December 2019. China is the worst hit country in terms of infected cases and underlying deaths (at time of writing this). Other serious cases are in Italy, South Korea, Iran, Spain, etc. Overall 195 countries have been affected with COVID-19 positive persons to the time of over 350,000 and death toll of about 16,000–111,000 patients have been recovered is yet to be halted. However, number of infected cases is decreasing in China. It first appeared in Wuhan (China) in December 2019. China is the worst hit country in terms of infected cases and underlying deaths (at time of writing this). Other serious cases are in Italy, South Korea, Iran, Spain, etc. Overall 195 countries have been affected with COVID-19 positive persons to the time of over 350,000 and death toll of about 16,000–111,000 patients have been recovered is yet to be halted. However, number of infected cases is decreasing in China.
1.3 Symptoms of COVID-19
Typically the initial symptoms are cold, cough, fever, high temperature, respiratory disorders including shortness of breath, gastrointestinal ailments like diarrhea, severe headache. In certain cases symptoms may appear in very short time wherein the infected person feels extreme weakness, dry mouth, swollen throat, high temperature increased palpitation, difficulty in opening eyes, swelling of blood pressure and piercing pain in chest. The patient undergoes state of collapsing and ultimately dies. Incident of death is about 0.2% in patients of age up-to 40 years while children have comparatively more immunity. The old people with underlying history of renal disorders, lung disease, respiratory troubles and diabetes are easy victims. Persons of 70 years and above are especially affected because of poor immune system and overall low healthy conditions.
1.4 Transmission of COVID-19
The virus is transmitted from man to man and animal to man if the contact is frequent and medical precautions are not observed to avoid exposure. It is extremely fast spreading virus as it has travelled almost all the world in a span of just three month.
2. VIRAL INFECTIONS IN RETROSPECT
Viral implications are wide and varied, the infections have acute and chronic impacts on healthcare and other reports. The infections have caused devastating effects in the past as well as in modern human history. The following significant incidents from recorded history will be mentioned in addition to the most recent occurrence of COVID-19 incidences.
2.2 Historical Glimpses
2.2.1 Mass Destruction of Corrupt Nations
The Holy Quran mentions a number of corrupt and mischievous nations like AAD and THAMUD who had been destroyed. Such sinner nations had violated divine rights and there of fellow beings and biodiversity.
2.2.2 Trials and Tribulations
History shows a number of occasions when individuals and nations had been put under trials & tribulations by the Divine Authority. The Holy Prophet Ayub (May Allah be pleased with him) faced similar situation. Because of disease he was bedridden for over 18 years, his body lost the flesh and carried only the bones & muscles.
2.2.3 Swine Flu/ Spanish Flu Pandemic
It commenced in Spain from 1918-20. Influenza virus (H2N1) killed 5000 million people which was 27% of total global population (18-19 billion). Later on it again erupted during 2009-mid 2010. Resultantly 18,036 people died and 6,04,446 person embraced non-fatal injuries. Mortality rate less than 1%.
2.2.4 Birds Flu
This incident occurred in China, India, Philippine and other countries. Symptoms are running nose, cough, diarrhea, sore throat and fever. H5N1 is the influenza virus. This replicate well in birds especially in water birds. Four stains of virus are matter of concern for the humans. Human beings do not recognize spike proteins (HA&NA) on the surface as they lack (antiviral) is available for treatment.
2.2.5 Early Islamic Period
The second Guided Caliph Hazrat Umer bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) was travelling with certain companies. When they reached near a town they were informed that its residents were suffering from an infectious/ contagious disease. Thus the question arose whether they should enter the town or otherwise. Most of the companions suggested not proceeding further and return to MADINAH AL MUNAWARAH. On that occasion a companion quoted one HADEETH in which The Holy Prophet (PBUH)
2.2.6 Modern Era
- Ironically the modern history is chequered with tyranny and injustice.
- India has locked up the Kashmiri people for the last eight months. Eight million Kashmir’s are being imprisoned by 0.8 million Indian soldiers. They are deprived of basic human rights without access to outside world. The global conscience on human liberties is completely speechless. The UN and its member states have not raised any serious voice in favour of right of plebiscite for Kashmir’s. The humanity has totally failed to support the Kashmir’s from the clutches of fascist Indian rulers. In this situation the helpless Kashmir’s Nation is seeking Divine Mercy. The Powerful Creator may rescue the Kashmir’s by way of punishing the oppressors and their allies.
2.3 Implications of COVID-19
The world came to know about COVID-19 on 11 December 2019 when it was first found within inestimable localities in China. The healthcare specialists and medical practitioners have not been able to determine the negative potential of this virus and accordingly research any effective treatment. Outbreak of this virus has shaken the entire world in one form or the other. Its varying implications are briefly mentioned in the following:
2.3.1 Occupational health and safety has been jeopardized at workplaces.
2.3.2 Healthcare centres & hospital and their staff have become vulnerable to deadly COVID-19.
2.3.3 Unprecedented infections and deaths in a short span of time have forced advanced countries to lockdown their cities and impose curfew in certain stations.
2.3.4 Many countries have closed their borders for inflow or outflow of personnel.
2.3.5 Health facilitation in the advanced countries are too scant to cope up with the situation vis-à-vis the developing world.
2.3.6 The global markets have crashed drastically.
2.3.7 The economies have faced inestimable losses. The developing nations have asked the developed countries to write of their loans.
2.3.8 For revival of national economies huge amounts of funds are required.
2.3.9 Oil prices in the global have gone down. This has in turn benefitted certain nations.
2.3.10 Global tourism has decreased critically.
2.3.11 Industrial sector has suffered major setback especially the extracting and manufacturing industries.
2.3.12 Employees have been asked to work from homes therefore reducing the capacity of a company. Also number of absentees has decreased.
2.3.13 Underlying panic and fear in the minds of common people have forced them to stockpile provisions.
2.3.14 The hotels, cinemas, theatres and religious places have been closed for unknown period.
2.3.15 Gatherings of political, social, religious and cultural nature have been postponed indefinitely.
2.3.16 Most airlines have either closed their operations or reduced their travels. Many of them are likely to be bankrupt in near future.
2.3.17 Educational institutions have been closed for indefinite period in of countries.
2.3.18 Employees have been sent on compulsory leave and offices have been shut.
2.3.19 Most unfortunately the two sacred places of the Muslims in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been rendered inaccessible for performing rituals.
3. MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19
COVID-19 has shocked the world. Not a single country was aware of the looming crisis. Seemingly they had neither the knowledge of the new virus nor required know-how to deal with the consequences on basis of medical, technical, financial, administrative, hierarchy, healthcare, scientific, biomedical engineering, genetic technology, political and local & global acumen. In the following a few steps are briefly described to mange this unprecedented calamity:
3.1 General Preventive Measures
3.1.1 Avoid social contact.
3.1.2 Observe social distancing.
3.1.3 Avoid non-essential contacts.
3.1.4 Do not attend mass gatherings.
3.1.5 Separate healthy persons from those affected.
3.1.6 Elderly and old people should stay at home.
3.1.7 Pregnant women should take precautions so that they themselves and their off springs are not exposed to the virus.
3.1.8 Children under age of 5 years should be given balanced diet.
3.1.9 Individual and household isolation of the affectees be observed.
3.1.10 Take more water.
3.1.11 The citizens need to be operate mostly from homes such as on-line orders, contacting healthcare facilities, distance learning.
3.1.12 Hugging and embracing be avoided.
3.1.13 Remain at some distance from the other person.
3.1.14 Personal cleansing be given top priority.
3.1.15 Cleanliness of household and surrounding should be done properly.
3.2 Local Administrative Practices
3.2.1 Provide technical staff medical equipment & testing kits, required funds etc. to the local hospitals (state run).
3.2.2 Certify medical laboratories that are capable of undertaking virus relevant tests.
3.2.3 Appoint medical coordinator/ liaison officer for coordinating daily affairs for dissemination among relevant stakeholders.
3.2.4 Allocation of medical resources among healthcare facilities on need basis.
3.2.5 Arrange early warning system for guidance of citizens and other concerned quarters.
3.2.6 Collection of data regarding contacts of affectees.
3.2.7 Collect travel history of virus positive persons.
3.2.8 Ensure hand washing.
3.2.9 Cordon off the localities or area to prevent proliferation of viruses.
3.3 National Action Plan
3.3.1 Formulate National Medical Policy.
3.3.2 Prepare National Virus Policy including COVID-19.
3.3.3 While preparing above policies seek input from relevant stakeholders.
3.3.4 Ensure screening and testing of all passengers at airports & seaports.
3.3.5 Make quarantine arrangements.
3.3.6 Arrange manufacture of required medical equipment through local industry or ensure timely import ventilators, testing kits and medical protective clothing are required.
3.3.7 Coordinate with other countries and health organisations.
3.3.8 Provide technical & financial assistance to healthcare setups.
3.3.9 Coordinate among provincial health departments and ensure their capacity building.
3.3.10 Appoint national and provincial focal persons.
3.3.11 Local banks should provide interest free loans to their customers. Bank of England has announced 0.15 interest rate.
3.4 Global Agenda
3.4.1 World Health Organisation (WHO) should provide technical distance to member countries.
3.4.2 WHO should arrange immediate research works on diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and other viruses.
3.4.3 The World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Asian Development Bank and other monetary agencies must provide necessary funds as free grants to the developing countries.
3.4.4 The United Nations (UN) should arrange to write off loans given to the developing countries.
3.4.5 COVID-19 Issue must be discussed in UN Security Council, UN General Assembly and other such like regional fora.
3.4.6 Global financial and donor agencies should provide interest free loans to governments.
3.5 Adherence to Divine Injunctions
COVID-19 is the only calamity confronting the entire global population. The humanity needs to undertake all possible endeavours at their disposal to minimize, mitigate and control its outbreak and adverse impacts. 80% people of the world who believe in a religion or mortality must turn towards the Creator and seek His Forgiveness in the hour of trials
3.5.1 Divine Wisdom in The Holy Qur’an
An evil afflicts human beings because of their own misdeeds and mischiefs as mentioned in following versus:
Have they not pondered within themselves? Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them but with truth and for an appointed term. And undoubtedly, most of the people are deniers of the meeting with their Lord.
And have they not traveled in the land so that they might see how was the end of those before them? They were more powerful than these, and they tilled the soil and populated it. And their Messengers brought to them bright signs. Then it was not befitting to the dignity of Allah Who would oppress them; yes they used to oppress themselves.
And when We cause mankind to taste of mercy, they rejoice in it. And if any evil befalls them, the recompense of what their hands have sent forth, hence they despair.
The mischief has appeared in the land and sea, because of the evils earned by the hands of men, so that He may make them taste some of their doings, that haply they may turn back.
3.5.2 Beautiful Sayings, Traditions and Deeds of The Holy Prophet (blessing of Allah be upon him) about cleanliness
The Holy Prophet ( peace be upon him) has advised observing highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and health and follow precautionary measures in case of natural calamities and afflictions. He has instructed to observe patience, repent and seek the Divine Mercy. A few outstanding examples are mentioned below.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet ( Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Etiquettes of the route are keeping eye sight low, abstaining from harmful acts and replying SALAM (MISHKAT SHARIF).
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Allah is Pure and He likes purity. He is clean and likes cleanliness, He is kind and likes kindness, He is Generous and likes generosity. As such, you also adopt the habit of cleanliness and keep the courtyard of your houses neat and clean unlike the Jews (AL-TRIMZI).
Undoubtedly Almighty Allah (SWT) is beautiful and likes beauty.
Cleanliness is essential part of FAITH.
Cleanliness leads to FAITH.
Cleanliness is half of FAITH (SAHEEH AL-MUSLIM)
Hazrat Abu Malik Ashary (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Cleanliness is Half of the Faith, and the phrase All Praise belongs to Allah fills the balance and the phrase Holy is Allah and All Praise belongs to Allah fills the space or fills the space between the heavens and the earth. The praying is light, the alms is reason, patience is illumination, The Holy Quran is a proof for you. Every man who arises in the morning either gets himself freed or ruins himself (SAHEEH AL-MUSLIM).
The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) prayed, Allah! Praise be to You as much as that which fills the heavens and the earth and as much as You will. Purify me with snow, hail and cloud water. Purify and cleanse me of sins as a white dress is cleansed of filth (MOSNAD AHMAD).
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Islam is clean, remain clean and only clean people will enter paradise.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Remain clean according to capacity.
Health with Faith
The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) prayed, I request You Almighty Allah () for health with FAITH and FAITH in beautiful dealings.
Relief from Disease
The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) has prayed, I request Almighty Allah (SWT) The Creator of people for removing disease and providing relief because You are the only Relief Provider. There is no relief except Yours, that relief which removes disease from its root (SAHEEH AL-BUKHARI).
Cure/Treatment
Plague
Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Plague was a means of torture sent on a group of ISRAEELIS (or on some people before you). So if you hear of its spread in a land, do not approach it and if plague should appear in a land where you are present, then don’t leave that land in order to run away from it (SAHEEH AL-BUKHARI).
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Death from plague is martyrdom for every Muslim (SAHEEH AL-BUKHARI).
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease occurring in rodents, dogs and other mammals which can be transmitted to humans. It is a water borne zoonotic disease. It is widely prevalent in hot and humid climate of tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. It is attributable to water that is contaminated by rats and domestic & wild animals. The farmers are exposed to contaminated water while working in fields and are prone to contract this disease
Leprosy
. A leper suffers from a revolting skin disease called leprosy. Also leper is a person who has been rejected or ostracized for unacceptable behaviour, opinions, character, or the like, anathema, outcast.
. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, One should run away from the leper as one runs away from a lion (SAHEEH AL-BUKHARI).
Fever
- Hazrat Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I visited The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) during his ailment and he was suffering from high fever. I said, You have a high fever. Is it because you will have a double reward for it? The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Yes, for no Muslim is afflicted with any harm but for that Allah will remove his sins as the leaves of a tree fall down.
- Hazrat Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Fever is from the heat of the Hell-fire, so abate it with water (SAHEEH AL-BUKHARI).
- The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) has advised the people to take more water during fever.
Illness
- The Holy Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, Whoever falls ill will be credited with what he used to do when healthy.
- Hazrat Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet, (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, No fatigue, no disease, sorrow, sadness, hurt, or distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were a prick it receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
In view of above deliberation, the following recommendations are made for efficient and effective management of COVID-19:
4.1 The entire humanity, especially the peoples of faiths must express repentance over their misdeeds and malpractices. Then resolve before the All Powerful to become good humans. They must seek His Mercy individually and collectively in the humblest manner.
4.2 All power corridors, global institutions (like UN), national governments and multinational sectors dwell upon fulfilling the Divine and peoples’ rights in letter & spirit.
4.3 Every human must do sincere effort to make the Planet Earth a place of peace, tranquility and tolerance. Justice, fairplay, equality and respect must be provided to every human being notwithstanding color, creed, religion or nationality.
4.4 The UN and other Organizations must solve global, regional and national issues. Everyone must be provided personal security, water security, food security and social security. Fundamental rights must be restored under the frameworks of faiths and UN charter. Existing embargoes and sanctions imposed by the UN and others must be immediately lifted so that the affected may deal with COVID-19 in the best possible manner.
4.5 Emergent sessions of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, OIC, SAARC, G-7 etc should be called and necessary strategies be adopted to tackle the current calamity.
4.6 Interfaith dialogues be conducted at UN, continent, regional and national levels to solve the COVID-19 crisis in view of the Divine Wrath. This is the most viable option since the secular management has collapsed to support the helpless humanity.
4.7 The UN must halt ongoing warfare in Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Jammu & Kashmir and other places and settle the disputes through negotiation on war footing within the shortest possible time. Linger on with the stale-mate no longer holds good.
4.8 After having dealt with the COVID-19, the UN and other such Organizations should be restructured and revitalized to be nations friendly rather than the protectors of certain vested interests.
4.9 The peoples of the world need to learn from the Chinese success story in overcoming the devastating scenario created by the virus.
4.10 New peace agreements should be negotiated involving the settlement of bilateral & multilateral concerns and mass destruction weapons.
4.11 Any economic embargo’s and punishments imposed on countries or organizations must be written off in good faith.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Hussain, M., Environmental Degradation = Realities and Remedies, Ferozesons (Pvt) Ltd, Lahore (Pakistan), 1998
2. Hussain, M., Book Islam and Environment, Unpublished
3. Internet
4. TV Channels (BBC, Al-Jazira, Pakistan TV etc.)
