On Tuesday 10th November, the largest consortium of Muslims in the UK launched a first-of-its-kind report examining the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on the Muslim diaspora.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) launched its report titled ‘Together in Tribulation: British Muslims and the Covid-19 Pandemic’ which highlights the specific issues that Muslim communities have faced during the first seven months of the pandemic.
Launched by Naz Shah MP, Dr. Justin Varney and Dr. Tanweer Ahmed, the report analyses the reasons why Muslims had the “highest Covid-19 mortality rates” by faith group, the suspension of mosque activities and the economic and social implication this has had. It has also listed the adaptations made to traditional funeral and burial processes, mental health repercussions, and the way in which Muslims were often negatively portrayed in the media reporting of the pandemic.
Commenting on the resilience of the Muslim community in observing lockdown restrictions especially during festive celebrations of Ramadan, Harun Khan, Secretary General of MCB said, “The response of Muslim communities through these trying months has been awe inspiring. This is not only shown by the sheer volume of grassroots initiatives and Muslims working on the frontline jobs, but also by the resilience of communities when mosque activities were suspended, particularly through the holy months of Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah, and the festivals of Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Adha. This report seeks to serve as a positive reminder of just how adaptable, resilient and hopeful we have been in such troubling times, particularly as we are not yet at the end of this pandemic. Muslim communities up and down the country have indeed exemplified the teachings of Islam through keeping the faith, compassion, mercy and patience which kept them going strong, in spite of adversity. It is important that we remember this, and continue to channel these teachings and this sense of resolve as we continue to see the pandemic affect our lives.”
