Covid-19 and the Necessity of Rethinking about Nadhrs
Nowadays, it has become clear that instead of making nadhr (vow) for Imamzada (descendants of Imams) shrines, darihs (tomb chambers of religious figures), and alike it must be made for supporting doctors and nurses and providing medical equipment. It is the latter ones that can help human beings, not the former ones.
The primary condition in making nadhr is that the action the one vows to do must be preferable. In various situations, one can find the perfect case and the best thing as the subject of nadhr. When the priority of the society is medical issues, it is better to make a nadhr in this field, and this is not at all in conflict with religious instructions, but rather in accordance with them.
In addition, nadhr for the infallible Imams (a) and the authentic and pious imamzadas must be used in charitable affairs and helping the poor, and the reward of that good deed should be sent to the Imam or the imamzada. Moreover, making nadhr for their shrine is a preferable act itself. Building, expanding, and supporting these shrines prepare the ground for people’s spiritual connection with God and also lay the ground for the religious gatherings, which unite the believers.
Although Islam has emphasized tawassul and nadhr, they do not make a person needless of doctors and medical treatments. Throughout history, Muslims, including Shias, in compliance with religious instructions, have appealed to supplications and tawassul as well as physicians and medicine; both spiritual aspects and medical affairs. In Muslim countries, many medical centers have been built and endowed by Muslims influenced by religious motivations and intentions.
Furthermore, researchers have noted that the two domains of faith and science are two different paths, and none of them should not be sacrificed for the other. Shahid Mutahhari believes that science gives us light and ability and faith gives us love and hope; science makes tools and faith makes destination; science builds nature and faith builds human beings. He believes that history has shown us the consequences of the separation of science and faith; wherever there is science and no faith, all scientific power has been spent on selfishness, egoism, avarice, supremacy and exploitation.
Note
- This article is mainly taken from "کرونا و لزوم بازاندیشی در نذرها" on Persian Wikipasokh.