Editorial

Abstract

The psycho-social impact of social distancing, self-isolation, and complete or partial lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the onset of different anxiety states, phobic anxiety, and depression. There is an increased likelihood of psychoactive substance abuse (tobacco and
shisha, drugs, and alcohol) and increased incidents related to feelings of loneliness and isolation, domestic violence, and child abuse (Haider et al. 2020). Coping mechanisms being exercised among Muslims, vary in dealing with the accompanying uncertainty and other aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a study by Rassool et al. (2020), findings indicated a significant positive relationship between perceived vulnerability to disease,
religious coping mechanisms, and psychological distress. Individual strategies on coping with difficult situations, based on a religious perspective that gives them a meaningful interpretation of the events, are derived mainly from the Qur'ān and the teachings of the Prophet . Muslims are encouraged to treat themselves through prayers, supplications (duā’s), meditation, Al-Qur’ān recitation and believing in Allāh ﷻ. The Qur'ān clearly emphasizes that the difficulties in this world are tests for the believers and enjoins people to have patience while facing difficulties. Allāh ﷻ tests the sincerity and faith of believers by granting favors or introducing difficulties on different occasions.