Freedom of Worship in Jordan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread with alarming speed, infecting millions and bringing economic activity to a near-standstill as countries imposed tight restrictions on movement to halt the spread of the virus.
Different aspects of life in many countries around the world were affected including the social, economic, educational, religious and tourism sectors. Countries had to impose measures to halt the spread of the virus, which varied from tight measures such as curfews, closure of borders and lockdown, to less severe measures such as partial closures and awareness-raising campaigns. Like other countries, Jordan was affected by the pandemic. The first case of COVID-19 was announced by the government at the beginning of March 2020. The Jordanian government resorted to preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus in Jordan. The government was forced to take measures related to education, health, economy, social protection as well as organisational aspects. These measures included closing commercial stores, places of worship, schools and universities, in addition to suspending work at governmental and private institutions. Exceptions were made for the health sector and other vital sectors identified by the authorities. Such preventive measures have affected the work of the different sectors in Jordan.
The Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies (RIIFS) has designed this national study to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the freedom of worship in Jordan and changes that occurred due to the lockdown in this regard.
A questionnaire was prepared for this study and shared with 532 people from all parts of Jordan. The questionnaire included a variety of questions to suit the target audience of the study who varied in age, religion, gender and academic background.
Furthermore, RIIFS conducted 23 interviews with religious, social, political and legal experts to discuss the bearings of this pandemic and its impact.
This study aims to provide an objective and qualitative analysis to assess the freedom of worship and practice of religious rituals in Jordan during the pandemic as well as drawing attention to lived experiences during the lockdown. It may help officials, decision-makers and religious leaders in confronting the crisis and adjusting within the available resources. It might also improve the ability of religious institutions to handle the current crisis, or any other similar challenges in the future.

Available in Arabic

Publisher : The Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies

Year of publication : 2021