Allow me first, during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan, the most blessed period of the month, to wish everyone all the best. Please dear readers of all faiths - do pray day and night that Allah (God) Almighty accept our worship and clean our world from the so-called COVID-19 pandemic.

We went to bed one night, then without warning we woke up in a different world that was almost turned upside down. Europe, all of a sudden, is no longer the dream destination of migrants, the United States is no longer the strongest, Paris is no longer a romantic hub, New York is no longer exciting, the Great Wall of China is no longer a fort! Makkah and Madinah lost worshippers, mosques are empty, churches closed their doors. All became afraid of death. Everyone realized their true size as there is no value of human beings on the face of earth.
Suddenly, many wars stopped and both the killer and the killed became hunted by a virus that can only be seen with compound microscopes. Suddenly, shaking hands, hugging and kissing became weapons we fear. The lack of visits by parents, family and friends became a symbol of love.

Suddenly we realized that there is no true value of power, beauty, money and weapons, and our major concern is to get oxygen and make sure it is available in case we become prey to the virus. All life’s facilities came to a halt - no airports, schools, universities or restaurants.
The world became cleaner, the environment improved. The ozone layer stopped deteriorating, wildlife became relatively vibrant in urban areas while human beings are quarantined in homes that all of a sudden became virtual prisons of choice. This is a message from the heavens, that earth, water, skies and air are safe without you; the world is going on without you. When you return to active life again, do not forget that you are just a guest in this world.
Finally: “Oh Allah, grant health to my body, Oh Allah, grant health to my hearing, Oh Allah, grant health to my sight, Oh Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that You forgive me, there is no might nor power except with Allah.”
PS: The idea of this column was inspired by a message from a friend