The Black Death: How different were Christian and Muslim responses?

Christian View:

The plague was a punishment from God for humanity's sins but could also be caused by “bad air”, witchcraft and sorcery, and individual life choices including one's piety or lack of it.

Christians – especially in the early period of the outbreak – could leave a plague-stricken region for one with better air which was not infected.

The plague was contagious and could be passed between people but one could protect oneself through prayer, penitence, charms, and amulets.

Muslim View:

The plague was a merciful gift from God which provided martyrdom for the faithful whose souls were instantly transported to paradise.

Muslims should not enter nor should they flee from plague-stricken regions but should remain in place.

The plague was not contagious because it came directly from God to specific individuals according to God's will.

Christian Response:

Penitential processions, attending mass, fasting, prayer, use of amulets and charms

The Flagellant Movement

Supposed cures and fumigation of “bad air”

Flight from infected areas

Persecution of marginalized communities, especially the Jews

Muslim Response:

Prayer and supplication at mosques, processions, mass funerals, orations, fasting

Increased belief in supernatural visions, signs, and wonders

Magic, amulets, and charms used as cures

Flight from infected areas

No persecution of marginalized communities, respect for Jewish physicians

Explanation:

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