Infectious Diseases Epidemics (Hawar / The Plague) In Islamic History in The Middle Ages and Its Effects on Socioeconomic Aspects

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in China in late 2019 and swiftly spread globally, has had a profound impact, infecting 188 countries and causing significant mortality. As of May 28, 2020, over 5.7 million cases and 356,131 deaths were reported worldwide, with the United States, Brazil, and Russia among the hardest-hit. Despite the absence of a definitive cure, treatments involve antibiotics and intensive care. Interestingly, pandemics are not unprecedented. Historical records reveal similar outbreaks, such as the Black Death in the Middle Ages, which originated in Central Asia and spread globally, including to the Middle East during the Mamluk Kingdom. This research objectives is to focus on the socioeconomic impact of the Plague in Egypt and Syria during this period. Understanding these historical precedents provides valuable insights into managing and mitigating the effects of current and future pandemics. This research is conducted by using qualitatives descriptives literature review. The result of shown It caused difficulties for the government, aristocracy and bourgeois, ordinary people, farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, traders, and workers. It also drove many deaths among the population, loss of jobs and livelihoods, high demand, raised prices of goods and wage rates, and declined productivity. In essence, this study underscores the importance of historical context in addressing current and future pandemics, emphasizing that lessons from the past can guide us toward more resilient and informed responses.