Page 89 - IJPS-11-5

International Journal of
Population Studies Therapeutic resilience during COVID-19

of prayer possesses inherent benefits. However, it is a protective role in their lives (Mahamid & Bdier, 2021;
essential to maintain a clear distinction between Piwko, 2021), by reducing stress and maintaining their
the realms of knowledge and religious principles. emotional stability (Koenig, 2020).
Although it is possible that illness may be perceived
as a test, it is important to note that it should not 4. Discussion
be regarded as a type of punishment. Meanwhile, The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant
the notion that all aspects of life may be universally socioeconomic disparities, particularly for individuals
associated with religion and punishment is living in poverty, who faced greater susceptibility due to
unfounded. limited access to healthcare and challenges in maintaining

Conversely, another religious professor asserted that social distance. In regions, such as Faisalabad, where the
this is unquestionably the result of sins, stating, “Our healthcare infrastructure is insufficient, traditional healing
God is angry with us, and the fact that the world cannot practices played a vital role, providing essential physical
move freely is proof.” Another participant mentioned that and psychological support in the absence of formal medical
we only need to notice the smog, dry air, torrential rains, services. This dynamic also highlights a significant aspect
floods, and pandemic breakouts to understand God’s will: of cultural resilience in which communities depended
on various customs, beliefs, and practices to effectively
When our wrongdoings continue, God traditionally manage the crisis (Agyeman, 2020).
sends pandemics and natural disasters, such as
earthquakes, floods, and locusts, to demonstrate his Throughout the pandemic, many individuals in
power and presence. Unquestionably, COVID-19 is Faisalabad utilized herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and
an expression of God’s wrath. In other words, it is collective coping strategies as their primary methods of
his retaliation for all the wrongdoings and crimes care. These practices offered physical relief and helped
committed by humans. reduce anxiety and uncertainty during the crisis. The
reliance on these cultural frameworks underscored the
Based on these responses, Islamic teachings do not
offer any specific justifications for why certain people critical role of cultural resilience in maintaining well-being
and continuity, especially in light of the healthcare system’s
are more prone to pandemics than others. Nevertheless, limitations (Rahman & Janjua, 2021).
an individual’s vulnerability to illness can be influenced
by genetics, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle Meanwhile, the implementation of stringent lockdowns
choices. In this regard, the Islamic faith places significant by the federal and provincial governments in Pakistan
importance on adopting a healthy lifestyle to enhance the resulted in considerable challenges for numerous healthcare
immune system and reduce the risk of illness. It should systems. Consequently, communities utilized traditional
also be emphasized that Islamic scholars may apply various healing methods, religious practices, and collective coping
interpretations to these principles within the framework of mechanisms to address the challenges presented by the
a modern-day pandemic. Thus, since the choice of how to pandemic (Ndumbe-Eyoh et al., 2021). These culturally
address a pandemic is a matter of personal determination, embedded practices provided essential support for both
it is important to consult with individuals in the religious physical and mental well-being (Zarzycka, Śliwak, &
community and healthcare experts. Zarzycki, 2019). For many individuals, these practices
Finally, numerous scientific studies conducted over were not only additional resources but also essential to
the last three decades have demonstrated the unique their survival strategies (Ahmad et al., 2021).
contributions of religion and spirituality to improving In the present study, analyzing the community’s
well‐being (Brown et al., 2020; Roman et al., 2020; responses to the pandemic through an ethnographic lens
Koenig, 2020). In regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the significant contribution of traditional
the link between spirituality/religious practices and remedies and religious practices in managing the virus,
COVID-19-related approaches may be validated in terms alongside public health interventions. Moreover, the
of positive emotional outcomes such as life satisfaction, direct testimonies concerning symptom relief underscored
hope, and well-being (Peteet, 2020; Fardin, 2020). the considerable impact of these cultural frameworks
Meanwhile, related research has shown that religion and as well as the effectiveness of these traditional practices
spirituality are critical components that activate unique (Nasution et al., 2022; Mukhtar, 2021; Rabbani et al.,
coping mechanisms to assist individuals in achieving life 2021). Their widespread adoption became notable due to
satisfaction (Dymecka et al., 2022; Krok et al., 2021). In their accessibility, with many solutions incorporated into
other words, when people have complete confidence in common household practices or provided at no cost. This
God, such religiousness and/or spirituality can serve as study also emphasized the tensions between current public

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 83 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.4109