The Cordoba Update

News of the Institute

COVID-19 Prevention

Nigeria – CPI coordinated Swiss support to the Kano-based Dar al-Andalus Centre (DAAC – Post on Facebook (external website, opens in a new tab)), to support their development and broadcasting of new radio and TV dramas, as well as engaging credible voices among youth and community leaders, to create awareness of best prevention practices for COVID-19 and to mitigate community tensions.

East Africa – Working with its partner “Friends of Zanzibar” and with Swiss funding, CPI initiated the translation and dissemination in Kiswahili of “The Muslims’ COVID-19 Handbook”, a spiritual and practical guide to dealing with and preventing COVID-19, published by Spiritual Antidote. The guide has been circulated widely in hard copy and online throughout East Africa and has been very well-received. The English and Kiswahili version of the handbook can be found at: spiritualantidote.com (external website, opens in a new tab)

Virtual Madrassa – CPI is working with the ICRC in the coordination of a series of on-line deliberations (“Virtual Madrassas”) with well-respected Islamic religious scholars, to develop and promulgate opinions on issues relating to COVID-19. Guidance issued so far has dealt with funerals and burial rites, and the sensitive matter of the treatment of the mortal remains of COVID-19 victims.

Nigeria – Training of Women IDPs – In early March, before COVID-19 and social distancing came to northern Nigeria, CPI’s local partner Dar al-Andalus Centre (DAAC), carried out a training workshop for women from IDP camps in Maiduguri, Borno State. The women learned valuable skills, including tie-and-dye and the fabrication of pomade, air freshener and liquid soap, and were provided with seed money to continue their activities. Participants also received trauma counselling and guidance in dealing with extremist messages, in order to share this knowledge within their families and communities. The project was supported financially by the Swiss Foreign Ministry. See DAAC’s work on Dar Al Andalus (external website, opens in a new tab)