Reaction of terroristic communities to pandemic threat, Mar 20, 2020

Reaction of terroristic communities to pandemic threat, Mar 20, 2020
In view of expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, key world terroristic organization issued statements concerning the tackling coronavirus for its members.
In the latest issue of the “al-Naba” newspaper Islamic State issued “religious directives” with advices to terrorists on how to tackle coronavirus, including a travel ban, washing hands, and 'putting your faith in God'. The list of directives includes: social distancing (“stay away from sick people”), hygienic procedures (“wash your hands before eating”), and quarantine measures (“avoid travel to affected areas”), which are the similar to advice being issued by world governments. But it also includes ideological decrees such as “put your faith in God and seek refuge in him”. Jihadists are also told “illnesses do not strike by themselves but by the command and decree of God”.

Taliban declared that “Coronavirus is a disease ordained by the Almighty Allah which has perhaps been sent by Allah because of the disobedience and sins of mankind or other reasons. Our Muslim nation must consider this disease a decree of Allah and deal with it in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet”. Key Taliban’s directives are: “people should recite effective prayers and astaghfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently, increase the reading of the Holy Quran, give in alms and charity and turn to Allah in repentance for their past sins. Moreover, the safety guidelines issued by health organizations, doctors and other health experts must be observed and all safety precautions followed to the best of one’s abilities”. Also “International relief, health and humanitarian organizations should execute their obligation of sending necessary equipment, medicine and aid to areas under our control… Our brotherly businessmen – in line with their Islamic and humanitarian responsibility – must also support their fellow people in this time of crisis”.

Al-Qaeda focused attention of its fighters on the doctrinal significance of the illness: ”Coronavirus a soldier of Allah” – declared they with no specific recommendations to fighters.