Fifty Muslim-majority countries have fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than the 50 richest non-Muslim countries

Objective To determine the difference in the total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths between Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries, and investigate reasons for the disparities. All Muslim-majority countries are considered partly or completely not free (in war), and 80% are LMICs (low- and middle-income countries). Methods The 50 Muslim-majority countries have more than 50.0% Muslims with an average of 87.5% Muslims. The non-Muslim country sample consisted of 50 countries with highest GDP while omitting any Muslim-majority countries listed. Their average percentage of Muslims was 4.7%. All data was pulled on September 18, 2020. To measure incidence of COVID-19, three different Average Treatment Methods (ATE) were used to validate the results. Results Non-Muslim countries had significantly more COVID-19 cases, 3-times that of Muslim-majority countries. Non-Muslim countries had 1.86-times more COVID-19 deaths than Muslim-majority countries. These percentages were obtained by applying the simulation method to ATE’s results. Conclusion Despite most Muslim-majority countries being poor and all considered partly or completely unfree, 34/50 (68%) countries had shown a decline in active COVID-19 cases. This study shows that Muslims’ practice of tahara (purity or cleanliness) is similar to many COVID-19 containment measures and tawakkul (trust in Allah) helps them remain resilient and hopeful during difficult unpredictable times, such as living through a pandemic. Developed countries can benefit from the knowledge learned in this study. Research should be conducted with Muslims in Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries to further study the health benefits of adhering to Islamic practices, principles, and beliefs.