Background
The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
On December 31, 2019, the outbreak of a new infection with as yet unknown cause was confirmed in Wuhan, China. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed the name COVID-19 for this infectious disease. In January 2020 the disease developed into an epidemic in China and on March 11, 2020, the WHO officially declared the epidemic a global pandemic. The disease is caused by an infection with the previously unknown coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In numerous countries around the world, there were massive restrictions to everyday life during the course of the pandemic. The economic COVID-19 recession 2020–2021 was one of the major effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on society as a whole.
Historical significance
More than 4 million people died as a result of the disease, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. The third and so far most devastating pandemic of the 21st century was a prime example of the rapid spread of a disease in a globalized world.
Continuous Guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aa) guided the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community throughout the pandemic and also drew the attention of the wider world towards turning to their Creator.
During the Friday Sermon of 6 March 2020, while outlining precautionary measures, the Huzoor (aa) said:
"I would now like to draw the attention of the Jamaat on a few matters regarding the current outbreak of the coronavirus. We must all adhere to the precautionary measures that are set out by governments and the health departments. From the outset, after consultation with some homoeopaths, I advised about the use of certain homoeopathic remedies as a precautionary measure as well as for treatment. These medicines should be taken as this is one possible treatment.
It cannot be said for certain that this is the exact cure for it or that these homoeopathic remedies are for this virus as little is known about this exact strain of the virus, but in any case, it is still the closest form of treatment in homoeopathy for this type of outbreak.
May Allah the Almighty grant cure through them. Thus, we ought to use them and at the same time, we must adhere to the precautionary measures that have been outlined."
On 27 March 2020, Huzoor (aa) delivered a special message from his office in Tilford, Surrey in place of the weekly Friday Sermon due to government restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. The special message was broadcast live worldwide through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s satellite television channel, MTA International. The message was also live-streamed.
On 10 April 2020, Huzoor (aa) dedicated the entire Friday Sermon to the topic of coronavirus. He said,
"I... have been saying for the last many years that after the advent of the Promised Messiah (as) and since he especially warned the world about calamities and heavenly afflictions, the frequency of storms, earthquakes and pandemics has increased greatly in the world. Generally, these pandemics and calamities come to caution mankind that they should fulfil the rights of their Creator as well as His creation.
Thus, in these circumstances, it is also incumbent upon us to submit before Allah the Almighty greater than before and we must also draw the attention of the world towards this as well."
Huzoor (aa) continued to guide the Community in this regard on various subsequent occasions and drew their attention towards prayers for humanity.
On 21 March 2020, during a mulaqat with the In-Charge of Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) clarified a misconception regarding the coronavirus and said that it was not a specific Sign, foretold by Allah. He said,
“Some Ahmadis have referred to this illness as plague. Some say that this is a sign, similar to that of the plague. Prior to the time when the plague broke out, Allah the Almighty informed the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, regarding it. Thus, the plague served as a sign [from God].
Then, prior to that very outbreak of plague, Allah the Almighty informed the Promised Messiah (as) that his followers would be protected. Thus, the plague became a sign in this manner also.
Although, at that time, the Promised Messiah (as) said that it was possible that a few persons in Qadian could contract the illness – and some actually did contract the plague – however, God Almighty foretold to the Promised Messiah (as) as to the timeframe and manner of its outbreak. Thus, its spread was a sign.
In spite of this, the Promised Messiah (as) continued to pray for the world generally that it be saved from this epidemic and beseeched Allah’s mercy.
Neither was this coronavirus foretold, nor have I ever expressed that this is a sign that has appeared.”
On 7th and 9th August 2020, during the dates that the international Jalsa Salana was due to be held in the United Kingdom, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered an inspirational two-part address in which he recounted the blessings and continued progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community during the past year.
On Friday 7 August 2020, His Holiness delivered the first part of the report during his weekly Friday Sermon from the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford.
The second part was delivered as a special Jalsa Salana address from the Masroor Hall at the Islamabad complex. Both addresses were delivered in front of a small gathering of Ahmadi Muslims in line with social distancing requirements.
On 15 August 2020, a new chapter in the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was opened, as for the very first time, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a virtual online meeting with over 220 members of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada aged between 12 and 15.
This opened a new avenue for the Jamaat, where Ahmadis from around the world are able to connect with their Imam on a more personal level while sitting in their respective countries. Subsequently. many more 'virtual mulaqats' took place and are still taking place regularly.
In his Friday Sermon of 6th November 2020, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aa) announced:
“A few months ago, during this coronavirus pandemic, I wrote letters to certain heads of state once again, including the President of France. In the letter, I warned him in the words of the Promised Messiah (as) saying that these trials and calamities are sent by God as a consequence of injustices. Thus, he must pay heed, end all injustices and establish peace and say only that which is based in truth. We have fulfilled our obligations and will continue to do so. Now it is up to others to decide whether or not they will take heed.”
Jamaat activities
Some of the most frequent and prominent gatherings throughout the year are those of various religious communities. The spread of COVID-19 noticeably altered such routine gatherings all around the world, forcing religious and community leaders to alter their approach.
Hence, homes became mosques, with family members congregating to offer prayers and listening to duroos. Classes, meetings and events started to be broadcast over the Internet.
During his message on Friday (27 March 2020), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (aa), referred to an initiative of Al Hakam where they asked Jamaat members how they have been positively spending their time at home. Huzoor (aa) pointed out that most had responded by saying that they were using the opportunity to further expand their religious knowledge; studying the Quran, hadith and writings of the Promised Messiah (as) etc.
Humanitarian response
When the whole world went to a standstill, members of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from Nigeria to Brazil and from Suriname to Germany stepped up to serve the needy.
Khuddam and Ansar (auxiliary organization for those aged forty and above) and Lajna (women’s auxiliary organization) teams worked with local authorities in providing all kinds of services to the needy and vulnerable.
