Shia Rights Watch Publishes Individual and Community Guides Against Covid-19

Shia Rights Watch published a message, in which it unveiled its individual and community guides to confront Covid-19 pandemic. Here comes this message:

While millions of dollars have been spent on COVID-19 vaccinations, not much has been done to address mental health dilemmas. As necessary as public health actions such as social distancing are, they have left people feeling isolated. The lack of face-to-face communication and reduced social interactions have added on financial and non-financial burdens that augment stress and anxiety levels. Previously, many social systems were in place that allowed relief and support against mental health disparities. The most significant social networks were religious centers where people congregated with others from the same faith and spiritual background. Amidst COVID-19 developments, many authorities in the global community called for the closure of religious centers as attempts to reduce transmission rates across their constituents. Despite their initial goal, not only did transmission rates not fall, they rose as masses took to the streets in protest of the government’s failure to sufficiently address safety needs.  Moreover, compliance with safety measures was reduced as morale declined, and rates of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness plagued communities. As the holy month of Muharram begins, Shia Rights Watch reaffirms a need for spaces in which communities can congregate and express solidarity. Shia Muslims spend the first ten days of the holy month of Muharram in ritual mourning commemorating the death of Hussain, son of Ali, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. Rituals within this month aim to educate masses on the importance of standing against human rights violations and campaigning against human rights abuses. Gathering together is at the heart of Muharram rituals.

This year, Shia Rights Watch emphasizes compliance with health and safety measures within Muharram congregations as a means of protecting Shia Muslim communities and promoting the right to religious expression. Shia Rights Watch dedicates its efforts to protecting and promoting the rights of Shia Muslims all over the world. In advance of Muharram, Shia Rights Watch has published two guides for Shia Muslim communities. The guides can be used to promote community health and safety amidst Muharram-related congregations.