Somalia: Some imams preach that Muslims are ‘immune to coronavirus’

This idea is based on the assumption that adherence to Sharia will bring one success and prosperity in this world as well as the next. That also leads to jihad activity, since jihad warfare against unbelievers is likewise a Sharia tenet.

“Muslims ‘immune to coronavirus’ some imams in Somalia say, putting public at risk,” by Emily Judd, Al Arabiya, May 10, 2020 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):

Some imams in Somalia are saying Muslims are immune to COVID-19, going against senior Muslim scholars who have insisted the coronavirus pandemic is a severe threat to all people around the globe.

A medical worker in the country told Al Arabiya English the rumor is putting Somalis at risk and working against efforts to try to educate the population of 15 million about the threat of the outbreak.

“Some mosques spread this rumor that this disease is only for non-believers,” said the medical worker, who wished to remain anonymous in fear of societal backlash, in an interview with Al Arabiya English.

“People are very religious in Somalia and we believe what our imams tell us more than any doctor or any government,” the medical source added.

The statements by certain imams in Somalia go against senior Muslim scholars, who have urged worshippers to heed medical and government guidelines, to suspend mosque services and activities, and to pray at home during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), called on communities to follow “all health guidelines” during the crisis and said the temporary closure of mosques in some countries across the Islamic world is considered a “religious duty” in light of the pandemic.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh asked Muslims to pray at home during Ramadan, and the Saudi Arabian government suspended mosque services.

The misinformation from the imams in Somalia is fueling the potential COVID-19 catastrophe the country is facing. Authorities have already confirmed almost 900 cases, despite only having four PCR testing machines in the entire country.

The falsehood that Muslims are protected from the virus is making it “really difficult” for the medical community to fight the pandemic, said the source, who said most of the population do not practice social distancing or wear masks, as preventative measures….