◈ Atheistic Objection: Desertion of the Kaaba and Worship Places
Atheists raise an objection: If God truly exists, He would have protected the Kaaba and other places of worship from desolation. According to them, religion claims that everything is under God's control — so why didn’t God prevent the coronavirus from reaching the Kaaba or other sacred sites?
◈ Response to the Objection: The Realistic Perspective of Religion
Religion never claims that Allah’s House or any place of worship cannot be deserted or harmed. The Qur’an explicitly states that places of worship can be harmed and even desecrated:
"Who is more unjust than the one who prevents people from the mosques of Allah and strives toward their ruin?"
(Surah al-Baqarah: 114)
If sacred places like the Kaaba were completely invulnerable to harm, then why did Allah command Ibrahim and Isma'il (عليهما السلام) to purify the Kaaba?
(Surah al-Baqarah: 125)
❖ Why Doesn't Allah Protect His House from Harm?
This question is superficial in nature. According to religion, this world is a place of trial, where human beings are granted the free will to perform good or evil deeds. If Allah were to prevent every evil act immediately, the very purpose of trial would become void.
❖ Allah Grants Respite to the Disobedient
God does not wage constant war against the disobedient. Rather, in His vast mercy, He gives people time to reconsider and repent. The Qur’an frequently mentions Allah’s forgiveness and the opportunities He provides for guidance.
❖ Why Are Plagues and Calamities Viewed as Divine Wrath?
Not every plague or natural disaster is a sign of Allah’s wrath. According to religion:
① It could be a test from Allah, just as His prophets and righteous servants were tested.
② It could be a trial for others — to test how they treat those afflicted.
③ It could be a form of punishment — but even that has a specific background and context.
◈ Emotional Religious Behavior: An Opportunity for Atheistic Criticism
Some emotional religious groups hold the belief that restrictions on Allah’s House or on religious gatherings invite divine wrath. Certain religious leaders claim that nothing can happen in places of worship, and if anything does, they are ready to face punishment — as seen in the recent statement by Maulana Jalali Sahib.
These attitudes stem from ignorance of the true teachings of religion. Religion firmly refutes such assertions, and these emotional claims have no Shar‘i (Islamic legal) basis.
◈ Miracles and the Proper Context of Supernatural Events
Some people argue: Allah destroyed the army of Abraha through Ababil birds, so why didn’t He do anything similar to protect the Kaaba from the coronavirus?
The answer is:
① Miracles occur in specific circumstances under divine wisdom. They are not universal principles.
② For instance, during the Battle of Badr, Muslims were miraculously aided, but they suffered defeat in the Battle of Uhud. This too was part of Allah’s wisdom and the trial of humankind.
❖ Dua and Medicine: The Balanced Teachings of Religion
Atheists argue: If everything is to be resolved through planning and medicine, then what’s the point of supplication (dua)? On the other hand, some devout individuals rely solely on dua, neglecting physical means.
Religion’s stance is clear:
✔ Both medicine and supplication are essential.
✔ The Prophet ﷺ and his companions used both.
✔ Cure lies neither in dua nor in medicine, but in the will of Allah.
✿ Conclusion ✿
❀ This world is a place of trial, and human beings must maintain both material means and spiritual connection.
❀ Emotional or shallow objections and behaviors distort the correct stance of religion.
❀ According to religion, man should both plan and supplicate — but leave the result to Allah.
May Allah grant us true understanding of the religion and the ability to act upon it. Ameen.
