The pandemic between cyber fatwā-s and crisis management. The Islamic jurisprudence for minorities facing the Coronavirus

ABSTRACT: During the global pandemic, cyber fatwā-s play a key-role in guiding Euro-pean Muslims’ religious and social conducts. Focusing on the ECFR jurisprudence, the paper unveils that the dramatic events were presented as the opportunity for a world-wide ethical and moral resurgence. A global pledge for social cohesion and change was advanced. Muslims were remembered to foster devotional aspects, to abide by Islamic provisions, and to support sick people and healthcare providers. Muslims were also urged to attentively conform to the official instructions issued by health authorities and State bodies. Specific attention was then paid to “fake news”: Muslims were recommended not to foster hearsay regarding vaccines and the Coronavirus. Since late 2020, the ECFR resumed its quasi ordinary activities; this indicates that the once new anti-pandemic norms have now been normalised. SUMMARY: 1.Introduction – 2.The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) – 3.The Council facing the Coronavirus – 4.Ritual fasting and further developments – 5.Recommendations in the course of the pandemic – 6.“Regular” online sessions and released statements – 7.Conclusions.