It is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that once she asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about "plague." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told her that it was a punishment which Allah used to send upon whomsoever He willed, but for the Muslims of this Ummah, Allah has made it a mercy. Now, whoever is afflicted with the plague and remains in that city with patience, seeking reward, and is certain that only that calamity will befall him which Allah has written for him, then he will receive the reward equal to that of a martyr.