By Yaya Bashir

            Inasmuch as this Covid-19 disease has taken the world by storm, it has revealed a number of things about the Western world and Unbelievers. Surely War and Disease will bring out what is in the character of people as time marches on.

            In a very interesting article reported by CBS News on may 12^th (“France will still ban Islamic face coverings even after making masks mandatory”), the nation of France is revealing their ultra-hypocrisy by continuing to ban burqas and niqabs while requiring everyone to wear face masks to protect themselves! I don’t think one needs to say very much how truly hypocritical French lawmakers are on this: if protection is what they are intending, then Islamic clothing already provides the necessary protection from disease transmission! Look at the pictures above; what is the difference as it relates to public protection?? For France to require one mask and not another truly reveals the hatred for their Muslim citizens. It is one of the worst rulings in world history in my opinion and reminds me of a Quranic verse that speaks to this: “When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was disease said: ‘Their religion has deceived them’; whoever trusts in Allah, then surely Allah is mighty and wise” 8:49.

This verse says two things here. One: the hypocrites (French) say “Their religion has deceived them” – Yeah right! Who is deceived here?!? Is it not the French and their “democracy” that is deceived?? I am not condemning all aspects of Democracy but is it not their religion of Democracy that makes them the hypocrites??

            Two: Which is the disease here? Covid or the hearts of lawmakers?? The Prophet seems to be saying the hearts of (French) lawmakers are THE disease which is why they are being ultra-hypocritical.

Observation #2

            What is remarkable to me through this whole COVID episode is that God has proven to be truly sovereign! Allah-Yehuah, Allah the Self-existent one, is so powerful that he can make people do what He wants at the drop of a hat (in an instant)! Notice how before this pandemic, only Islamic women covered their faces whereas now, ALL women are covering up their faces – and even using scarves at times! How Islamic that is!

            Yes, admittedly, this is only a temporary practice in public – BUT, God is more powerful than Mankind and if He wants to make women cover their faces (and even their bodies), He may yet do so! Do not think that this worldwide punishment is just a freakish event, never to happen again. No, this world and its numerous Unbelievers are predestined for more punishment as the end of the world approaches.

Observation #3

            Again, I will refer to the picture above: what is the difference between these two pictures? Both of them cover the mouth of people is the commonality but the difference is that one of them, it is harder to hear someone with a mask on whereas the mouth that is taped cannot speak at all.

            Before this pandemic, all people could speak freely, without any audible hindrance (excluding hijabs of course). Since most people are wearing masks to cover their mouths, it is harder to hear someone who wears one.

            Interesting observation: we have had almost a generation of social media, something that did not exist in the world before the 21^st century. Before, you could only speak to a person or a crowd at the most. Now, you can speak before potentially millions of people. It is the opinion of this author that this is not really a good advancement in the affairs of mankind. People tend to speak Evil and/or cause trouble. Everyone wearing masks is symbolic of a “quieting of voices”, as if to turn down the chatter of the world. Allah does not like evil-speaking and if people do not learn to regulate their speech, worse punishment may come upon people – such as being not able to speak at all! Is this a warning to ALL mankind?