In an article in the second issue of “The Voice of Hind,” a magazine published and distributed online by Islamic State (IS) supporters in India, the IS supporters declare that COVID-19 “is a punishment sent by Allah on whom he wished, and Allah made it mercy for the believers”, hstoday.us reports on April 7. The magazine tells jihadists to “prepare with whatever you have and Rise up! and make it worse for the Kuffar [disbelievers]” during the pandemic, and “nonetheless show mercy towards the believers and support them during these times.” “Undoubtedly, Allah has made this disease a source of chaos amongst the nations of disbelief, and their militaries and police have been deployed in their streets and alleys, thus making them an easy target,” the article continues.
“So, use this opportunity to strike them with a sword or a knife or even a rope is enough to stop their breath, fill the streets with their blood. Indeed, this is the punishment and wrath of Allah up on the disbelievers, so make it worse for them. Allah aids those who aid His religion and Allah is pre dominant over His affairs but most of the people do not know.” Another page in the magazine lists some ways to “annihilate the disbelievers,” including vehicle attacks, knife and ax attacks, arson, and poisoning food and drink.
The latest issue was released in late March.
The encouragement of terrorism linked to the coronavirus joins other IS propaganda including a graphic circulated by IS supporters declaring the virus to be a “soldier of Allah.”