To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
— Thomas Aquinas, Italian philosopher
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul?
This statement is particularly true following the end of the Easter celebrations and the start of the Muslim Ramadan fasting month.
As Malaysians prepare for Aidilfitri, which falls on May 13 and 14, let us reflect on the significance of the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected people of all religions.
Why did this “curse” happen to not only the poor, but also the rich? Which comes to mind the well-known story of Job in the Bible or Ayyub in the Quran.
He was not only the richest man in the Middle East but also a well-loved social worker.
The story begins with God and Satan having a series of heavenly debates on Job’s (Ayyub) faithfulness, especially in times of adversity.
In the Book of Job, God tells Satan that Job is “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1).
But Satan disagrees and challenges God to allow him to test Job’s faith. Satan started by causing Job to suffer financially.
Satan ensured Job’s entire wealth was wiped out in one afternoon.
All his farm hands and their families and all his domesticated animals were destroyed in a day!
Not only that, Job lost seven sons and three daughters. Yet when questioned by his rich but heathen neighbours, Job’s simple answer was “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
But his woes were far from over; reduced to begging on the streets, he was stricken with leprosy.
In his reverence, he continued to call out to Allah saying:
“Truly adversity has afflicted me and You are Most Merciful of all who show mercy.” (21: 83)
Allah, peace be upon him, in his graciousness, responded:
“Then We heard his prayer and removed that adversity from which he suffered, and We gave him his household and the like thereof along with them, a mercy from Our store and remembrance for the worshippers.” (21: 84)
After many years of suffering, God finally asked Job to strike the ground with his foot and a spring gushed forth.
After drinking and bathing in its waters, he was miraculously cured.
The Almighty then restored him to great wealth and as the Holy Quran affirms:
“And surely, we try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and crops, but give glad-tidings to the steadfast, who when a misfortune befalls them, say lo! We are Allah’s and to Him shall we surely return.
“Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly-guided.” (2: 155-157)
But how does this story interpret itself in this age and time?
Ask ourselves why some of the most prosperous nations, Malaysia included, have to endure the pain and suffering that God has allowed.
Have we not thought that this could be “Cobaan” — a trial against temptations that comes with wealth, good health and opportunities to become super rich.
When we were hit by the pandemic, did we pray in unison as a nation of not only Muslims and Christians, but also with Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and people of other faiths?
Did the rich repent and realise that it was time to thank God for his mercies?
No! Instead, time and again some of our leaders try to play God!
Over the last two years, governments have been changed, promises have been made and broken, ordinary people have been cheated by the rich and the powerful have stolen with wild abandon.
Even today, some of us continue to pretend to be the darlings of society, handing out “alms” to the less fortunate.
Yet, the truth is, they seek publicity to give the impression that they have true love and compassion.
But who can blame them because we live in a “kiasu” society of one-upmanship!
The world has spent billions to defeat the Covid-19 curse that Satan has bestowed on God’s people.
Yet the simple solution is as Ayyub had shown — to prostrate ourselves in humiliation.
As true Christians, we must get down on our knees and with hands raised in reverence, asking for mercy.
Try this out, especially now during the holy month of Ramadan and the blessings will come, sooner than later!
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
