Children Cleanliness and Prayers in the Time of Corona

Children, Families, and the Lessons of the Pandemic

BY:Khan

May Allah Almighty protect us all from the harmful effects of the coronavirus and grant quick recovery to those who are already suffering from it. The entire world has been shaken by this deadly disease and its rapid spread. To control it, governments around the globe have been urging people to remain confined within their homes. Markets, shopping centers, and businesses have been closed, while families find themselves restricted indoors. Schools and educational institutions have declared extended vacations until the 31st of May, meaning that children are now completely away from schools, tuition centers, and academies.

This naturally brings a storm of mischief and playfulness inside homes, something every parent and elder can easily imagine. Governments, societies, and especially parents are deeply concerned about children. Their greatest wish is that the little ones remain safe and unaffected by this terrifying outbreak.

To protect people from the virus, constant reminders are being broadcast about the use of gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers. Masks and gloves were already somewhat familiar, but the sudden popularity of hand sanitizer within society is remarkable. In fact, the simplest and most effective lesson to prevent the spread of the virus is to wash hands with soap frequently. Doctors emphasize that handwashing should last at least 20 seconds each time. Clean clothes, a clean face, and washed hands after touching objects or utensils are now the standard routine.

Repeated instructions about cleanliness are echoing everywhere. Yet Islam had introduced these principles more than 1,400 years ago. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that cleanliness is half of faith. If only we, as individuals and as a society, adopt cleanliness sincerely, more than half of our health problems would vanish on their own. May Allah bless us with the strength to live tidy, maintain clean homes and surroundings, and make cleanliness a permanent habit.

The second phase of lockdown is due to end on April 14, while the blessed month of Ramadan has already begun, with its first ten days completed. Everyone is waiting anxiously to see what decision the government will announce next. We pray that Allah opens a path of safety and that scientists, with His will, discover an effective cure for this virus.

Interestingly, children have reacted to this unusual situation in unique ways. Many are happily wearing masks, almost treating them like fashion accessories. Yet very young ones—three to three-and-a-half years old—see masks and gloves more as toys than protective tools. Place a mask on a toddler’s face, and within a moment, the child will pull it off, unaware of what “corona” really means or how dangerous it is.

Older children, around five or six years old, however, have shown surprising awareness. They remind their siblings to wash hands for the full twenty seconds, exactly as doctors advise.

Take, for example, six-year-old Arfa Maryam. With schools closed, she spends her days with her elder sister, brother, and beloved father. Yet she constantly “orders” her family to wash hands properly and use sanitizer. She even insists that when someone sneezes, it should be into the elbow or a tissue, never directly into the hands. This way, she explains, both the sneezer and those around them will remain safe.

When asked where she had learned such thoughtful practices, Arfa proudly said, “My mama taught me all these golden lessons about cleanliness.”

Another child, four-and-a-half-year-old Jannat Sheikh Rashid, shared that her grandmother told her something different—that the coronavirus is a sign of Allah’s displeasure. Jannat adds with innocent conviction, “But when children pray, Allah surely accepts their prayers.”

How beautiful and pure are the perspectives of these children! Through their little words and simple gestures, they are reminding us of two great shields against hardship: cleanliness and prayer.

As a nation, we all fervently pray that Allah saves our country and people from this crisis. May He restore normal life so that children return to schools, parents return to work, and communities reopen their shops and mosques with joy and relief.

Meanwhile, we cannot forget the tireless efforts of the frontline warriors—the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, soldiers of the Pakistan Army, police officers, and administrative officials. Day and night, they stand at the front lines, risking their own health and safety to protect society. They are the real heroes of this dark chapter in history, and they deserve our heartfelt salute and gratitude.

The pandemic has brought new lessons for everyone. Parents have realized the importance of spending time with their children. Teachers have discovered new ways to keep in touch with students. Children themselves have learned that health and safety require discipline, cleanliness, and care for others. The small voices of Arfa and Jannat are, in fact, powerful reminders for adults: wash hands, wear masks, pray sincerely, and stay united.

Let us remember: the world is now echoing with messages of hygiene, but Islam gave these teachings centuries ago. The Quran and Hadith guide us not only to pray but also to live clean, responsible, and considerate lives. If we truly embrace these teachings, we will not only overcome this pandemic but also build healthier societies for the future.

May Allah protect us, heal the sick, strengthen our doctors and workers, and shower His mercy on all humanity. Ameen.