COVID 19 pandemic currently presents the biggest threat to the world. When such tragic events occur, they are lessons to mankind. For many years, Muslims have been stereotyped as rigid and intolerant in matters touching their religion. We have always refuted these accusations as unfounded and the Pandemic has presented clear lessons in this regard.
In the response to the pandemic, Muslims have explained that actions of Quarantine, social distancing and closure of mosques are well backed up by Islamic teachings and have religiously implemented all directives in prevention of the pandemic. has also been made clear alcoholic sanitizers can be used even when consumption of alcohol is abhorred in Islam. Contracting marriage online without physical contact between the intending spouses has also been prominently emphasised Muslim scholars under the current situation. If the situation does not change, Hajj which is a 5th pillar of Islam will be suspended. This presents Islam as a flexible religion and not rigid as stereotypes depict it.
Amidst accusations and counter accusations between China and the US about the manufacture of Corona virus, the corridors of discussion have considered the manufacture of the deadly virus as an economic war between the super powers and not an act of terror against the world, despite a big number of innocent lives that have been lost. Infected persons who intentionally carry the disease to other areas are merely looked at as carriers which is an understatement. If the virus had originated from Tehran, Iraq or Afghanistan, Muslims worldwide and not Iran, Iraq or Afghanistan would be on the defensive. The commendable spirit in which the world has not attributed a religious stance to the pandemic should guide the world in ceasing to Islamise terrorist acts of ISIS and human rights violations by individual countries where majority of Muslims live.
We should therefore learn to be accommodative and avoid stereotypes against Muslims. Even where heinous offenses are committed, individual actors or countries should be targeted and not Muslims as a whole. Let us all unite in the fight against Corona Virus and pray that the Almighty Allah saves us all.
President; MCJL
Pray
StayHome.
WashHands
