There are quite a few Muslim religious leaders and pseudo-intellectuals who are actively propagating lies about the Covid-19 Vaccine in newspapers and social media without realizing that this action is not in the interest of the community
Omar Asad siyasat.net
The impact of Pandemic Covid-19 has brought the world to its knees, and even the developed countries are struggling to provide adequate care for their infected population. America is the worst hit by this Pandemic, and former President Trump’s administration is responsible for this situation.
The great news is that the Vaccine has been developed in record time and by several international pharmaceutical companies, and at least three vaccines are approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency). Johnson & Johnson is expected to get approval this week; that would help big time as this Vaccine can be stored in the standard refrigerator.
The Vaccine production and distribution are in full swing; however, even with all the help from various governments, the task of producing the Vaccine in quantities that can suffice for the global population is just beyond the capacity of any company and country. It is not only the production, but the complete supply chain solution, distribution, and storage of Vaccines in frigid temperature is a logistical nightmare.
Scientists and healthcare workers worldwide have been working tirelessly to develop the Vaccine and take care of sick people, and their work is commendable. Tragically, while the drug is being developed and medical staff is laying their lives saving patients, bigots in every religious community holding religious titles and positions are actively engaged in creating doubts about the Vaccine’s effectiveness. Few zealots are even refusing the very existence of Covid-19 and reject it as a hoax.
It is difficult to ascertain the actual damage caused by these religious zealots who refuse to accept social distancing and the practice of wearing the face mask and are actively engaged in activities that promote an environment that spread the virus faster. It is heartening to see that of all religious communities across the globe, Muslims by in-large demonstrated most maturity with few exceptions. Saudi Arabian government acted quickly and effectively in containing the virus in Makkah and Medina’s holy sites. They took unprecedented steps and canceled the Hajj pilgrimage for all international travelers. In comparison, the conservative Jews and Christians in the USA, Israel, and other places resisted the restrictions and held religious gatherings without any precautions. The results are for everybody to see it.
The Indian government, too, failed in effective control of the virus. The government promoted unscientific and unfounded steps such as lighting lamps, clapping hands, and beating utensils to cure the virus. Many religious processions and gatherings were allowed that made matters worse.
Sadly, there are quite a few Muslim religious leaders and pseudo-intellectuals who are actively propagating lies about the Covid-19 Vaccine in newspapers and social media without realizing that this action is not in the interest of the community. The FDA and EMA have approved the Vaccine, these are the highest standard controllership institutes responsible for protecting public health and ensuring people’s safety, efficacy, and security.
Like any vaccine, this Vaccine will have side effects, but the benefit outweighs the risk by a million times. It is like telling people that they do not fly airplanes because an Indonesian plane crashed last month. Anyone who would say such a thing would be asked to get his psychiatric evaluation and the same applies to the people who are advising not to take Vaccine. To bring it in perspective, six of my immediate family members, being physicians, have got the Vaccine, but I have to wait for my turn, as I am not engaged in frontline activities that endanger my health, and it may be many months to get my turn.
Muslim countries have been behind in science, technology, and medicine for over a couple of centuries. Sadly, not enough is being done in this field to bridge the gap, which is only increasing. It is not just the resources required to bring in a change but also the mediocrity system that has to be replaced by Meritocracy.
All Muslim countries except the few Gulf states are fully exposed to the Pandemic with no strong, adequate healthcare and welfare system. Illiteracy, corruption & superstition are the significant hurdles in improving the situation on the ground. The sad part is that many Muslims from Indonesia to Morocco believe in unfounded conspiracies, and to them, Covid-19 is a hoax. The illiterate religious leaders are responsible for fanning this belief, and the repercussions to refuse to take Vaccines are tragical. Any trustworthy God-fearing person would refrain from taking such a harmful and suicidal stand.
It was pure coincidence that the Covid-19 strain has been less deadly in the developing world, but there is no guarantee that its mutation will not turn it into a more potent killer. And if that happens, the death toll among Asian & African countries would multiply fast, and millions of lives are in danger.
May Allah SWT bring an end to this deadly disease, and may HE cleanse the world of Corrupt leadership as HIS Blessing – Ameen.
( The writer is based at wisconsin, USA. He can be reached at omersasad@gmail.com)
(www.siyasat.net is Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India based website)
An Appeal For The Sake Of Upright & Fearless Brand Of Journalism
To sustain and improve our coverage. Gujarat siyasat- a vernacular Fortnightly and English٫ Hindi Website www.siyasat.net
Your little but timely support is needed۔
Bank details، GUJARAT SIYASAT, Current Account 204720110000318, ifsc code BKID0002047 BANK OF INDIA , VASNA BRANCH, AHMEDABAD GUJARAT INDIA
Also on Phone pay, Paytm,Google pay +91 9925531111
We hope you help and see siyasat.net grow. And rejoice that your contribution has made it possible.
सत्य को ज़िंदा रखने की इस मुहिम में आपका सहयोग बेहद ज़रूरी है। आपसे मिली सहयोग राशि हमारे लिए संजीवनी का कार्य करेगी और हमे इस मार्ग पर निरंतर चलने के लिए प्रेरित करेगी। याद रखिये ! सत्य विचलित हो सकता है पराजित नहीं।
Regards,
Abdulhafiz Lakhani
editor@siyasat.net
