Coronavirus is a sheep dog

“Markets to open five days a week from sehri  till 5pm” was the news regarding relaxation in COVID-19 related lock-down in Pakistan. In a very ironic way this virus is acting as a sheep dog and compelling people to
adopt Islamic guidelines whether they like it or not. Even the staunchest feminists are covering their entire bodies, including their faces. All the talk of “mera jism meri marzi” ( my body my choice ) is gone with a single sneeze. Sale of alcohol is either being outright banned as in South Africa, Thailand, Greenland  (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/21/africa/south-africa-alcohol-ban-gin-distilleries-hand-sanitzer-spc-intl/index.html) or restricted by other means ( Delhi imposed 70% tax on alcohol ).

On the economic side interest rates are down to 0%, governments are giving free loans, exactly what Islam teaches. 
On social side no big pompous weddings functions are taking place, no barat, mehndi, oil etc. Simple nikkah in the presence of few close relatives, groom takes bride without band, songs and dance, exactly what Islam wants. No waste of food, vulgarity, traffic jams, smoke etc. On a somewhat related note, a recent BBC report stated that sexually transmitted diseases are at such low levels that we can eliminate these diseases if we take action now. The author is calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity” . ( https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52488892 STIs: Lockdown 'once in a lifetime opportunity' for sexual health )

On environment side, the effect has been amazing. Lahore has recorded a 49% reduction in NO2 level (https://energyandcleanair.org/air-quality-before-and-after-national-lockdown-during-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-outbreak-across-pakistan/).

People, especially well off amongst us, had a glimpse of futility of acquisition. What good is a brand-new car if you cannot go anywhere? What good it is to have multiple houses when you are compelled to stay in one place only? What good is an expensive party dress if there is no party to go to? As Quran says “Your craze for more and more and mutual rivalry for worldly gains has made you heedless. Until (in the same craze) you reach the graves” ( surah At-Takathur )

But unfortunately, like the sheep in the herd, we are unaware of the purpose of  the sheep dog. To us it is a temporary annoyance and we are waiting for the dog to go away so that we can go back to our old shaitan ( devil ) /capitalist inspired way of life.