Shi‘ite Islamic Religious Authorities and COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected religious life and has temporarily changed some of the important religious rules of Islam. Most of the highest Shi‘ite clerics in Iran and Iraq have become active protagonists in the fight against COVID-19. The author focuses on these clerics’ support of state institutions in matters of hygiene and protection measures as well as bans on gatherings. The author then analyzes the attitudes of these clerics toward changes in religious practices during the Coronavirus epidemic: the prohibition of Friday / congregational prayers, the closing of Shi‘ite shrines (places of burial of Shi‘ite holy Imams), fasting in the holymonth of Ramadan, changes in funeral customs, the issue of martyrdom due to Coronavirus infection and changes in performing the major Shi‘ite religious ceremonies of Ashura and Arba‘een.