Pandemics and Epidemics between Modernity and History in the Islamic West in the 5th-6th Centuries AH / 11th-12th Centuries AD

Abstract

Pandemics and epidemics posed a great danger in the Islamic West in the 5-6 AH / 11-12 AD centuries, as this period witnessed a widespread spread of epidemics and epidemics, many of which caused infection and others had no cure, which greatly affected various aspects of human life, in addition to what they caused.  Although it did not cause death, it had an economic impact on society, so high prices spread, famines increased, and diseases spread, which are considered one of the most severe types of affliction that afflicts humans. Historical sources have revealed to us many of them and the harm they caused and a bitter and difficult reality on human life. We have included in this research the historical scenes that cities experienced.  Morocco and Andalusia in light of this situation and the extent of the damage and the impact it has had on people’s lives. Pandemics and epidemics are a source of danger that threatens the lives of people in various regions of the Islamic West. Morocco and Andalusia were both exposed to a number of epidemics that affected different segments of society and changed the course of their lives, and no one was spared from them. In order to limit the spread of epidemics and pandemics, the state has implemented quarantine and isolation of infected patients. This is one of the health prevention measures and was recently implemented after the outbreak of the Corona epidemic (Covid 19). Among the causes of epidemics are the occurrence of heavenly plagues such as drought, famine, floods, earthquakes and drought, which often caused food shortages and high prices. The many wars, seditions and unrest that the cities of Morocco and Andalusia faced also played a major role in the spread of many epidemics and pandemics. The most prominent epidemics and pandemics known to Islamic history in that era were discussed and linked to what the world experienced from the spread of the Corona epidemic (Covid 19) and the fear and panic it caused throughout its spread, and the impact it left on economic and social conditions.