Responses to the Black Death

How different were the responses of the Christians and Muslims to the Black Death?

            The Black Death took place in the mid 14^th century, resulting in the deaths of one third of the deaths of the Middle East and Europe at that time. The Black Death spread from China to Europe (Document 1). It was believed to be caused vicariously through rodents; specifically through the fleas that nested in the pests. The Black Death brought death to most of the people who started to show symptoms (Introduction). Though everybody must have acted different, they have separated the reactions primarily into two groups; the reactions of the Christians, and the reaction of the Muslims.

            The reactions of Christians at this time were panicked, as alike mine would had been. They would dig ditches, and pile dead bodies. Once the ditches were filled, more would be made. Many people abandoned their own family trying to escape the terrifying symptoms; these symptoms started with swelling in their crevices, and spitting blood. After the symptoms, death itself would follow (Document 3). Along with panic, the people became more and more wicked, taking every little chance to cause malice; priests even focused more on the pay, than their own salvation, and the salvation of their people (Document 6).

            Christians even went to the extent of blaming others; the Jews particularly. The Jews were blamed for poisoning the wells. People of Strasbourg tried to protect the Jews from a mob; but that failed. The people would burn the Jews to death and or pull them; limb for limb, apart. Every crank depended on them saying if they were guilty or not. Therefore, death was the only way out for the Jews (Document 7). Christians reacted through fear, and viciousness. But, how did the Muslims react?

            Muslims reacted very different from the Christians. Muslims turned to their religion, fasting and praying for the space of many days (Document 9). They went forward with religious activities (Document 10). They basically just let what was going to happen; happen. They even went as far to look upon it as a blessing (Document 4).

            The Christians reacted with evil, panic and wrong doings. The Muslims reacted with good deeds, praying and fasting, and turning to religion. In conclusion, they reacted very different towards the Black Death.