Al-Qaeda
‘The way forward: A word of advice on the coronavirus pandemic’
03.2020
A six-page statement from Al-Qaeda’s senior leadership. The statement invites people to reflect on the phenomenon of COVID-19 and carefully consider its deeper causes. The statement claims that this pandemic is a punishment from the Lord of the Worlds for the injustice and oppression committed against Muslims specifically and Mankind generally by the governments elected. The statement invites Western citizens to convert to Islam and stresses that ”Islam is a hygiene-oriented Religion” which ”lays great stress on principles pf prevention so as to protect one from all forms of disease.”
Boko Haram
‘Abubakar Shekau Mocks World Leaders And Derides Social Distancing In New Audio Message’
15.04.2020
News outlet reports Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, released a 01:08:25 audio where he blamed the current coronavirus pandemic across the world on the evil deeds of people. According to the news outlet, the leader claims “the evil you do is what brought this (…) whatever this is, may God protect us.” Speaking on restrictions and social distancing, Shekau said COVID-19 was only a tip of the iceberg. “You only hear of Corona, but you are telling Muslims not to pray and you close mosques,” he said.
Islamic State group
‘Islamic State Advice on Coronavirus Pandemic’
12.03.2020
As coronavirus pandemic has caught the attention of the world, the Islamic State group has not ignored the issue. In one of its issue of the al-Naba’ newsletter, the organization provides a list of “Shari’i directives to deal with epidemics [/diseases].
‘Islamic State calls for followers to spread coronavirus, exploit pandemic and protests’
24.06.2020
Article reports an Islamic State group online publication in India has called for its supporters to spread the coronavirus, saying ”every brother and sister, even children, can contribute to Allah’s cause by becoming the carriers of this disease and striking the colonies of the disbelievers”. The group claims that devout Muslims will not be sickened, because ”no disease can harm even a hair of a believer”. The article also claims the Islamic State previously ordered its followers not to travel to Europe, where the virus outbreak is far worse than in the Middle East. But the group has suggested that its followers who are already in Europe exploit the chaos, calling for ”new strikes”.