On Thursday, April 32, 2020, the "General Assembly to Fight Coronavirus Crisis in Herat" held an online roundtable discussion on "Religion for Mankind or Mankind for Religion?". This program was from a series of roundtables by the Assembly to discuss different aspects of the coronavirus. Abdul Kabir Salehi, Religious Scholar; Moein Moein, University Professor; Dr. Homeira Qaderi, University Professor, were the speakers of the program. The event was moderated by Ramin Kamangar, Researcher/University Professor.

At the beginning of the program, Ramin Kamangar said that we are facing a new situation and very unusual conditions. The novelty and unusualness of this situation is due to its impact on various aspects of our individual and collective lives. One of the most influential aspects is religion and religiosity, he added. One of the traditional functions of religion has been to gather groups and social solidarity. New conditions have arisen, and it inevitably requires action that is contrary to traditional practices. Unfortunately, in Afghanistan and elsewhere, religiosity hinders new measures that are being recommended.

Kabir Salehi pointed out in his speech that religion is essentially in the service of human beings; and submits to the changes of human life. When we look at the process of evolution of religion and the descent of revelation, we find out that the Shari'a in the age of revelation has tried to adapt itself to the objective demands and realities of society; and this evolution has been based on two mechanisms. First: the enactment of the new sentences. Second: modification of the previous sentences. According to Salehi, today the system of the jurisprudence and Fatwa is in the hands of those who are not deeply aware of religion and requirements of the new world. In different Islamic countries, we witnes de-jurisprudence, he added. Because jurisprudence cannot meet the needs of today's societies; on the other hand, Islamists condemn leaders of the countries. If religious scholars do not reconsider the Shari'a rules, according to today's society, de-jurisprudence will be intensified, Salehi believes.

The next speaker of the roundtable was Moein Moein, who first spoke about religious worldview and the formation of humanism and the effects and consequences of this theory based on religious perceptions, adding that in the age of humanism, religion is on the service of Mankind and changes, and acts in according to its will. Mr. Moein spoke about the current situation and the Corona Virus outbreak, as a global challenge. He added that one of the theories is that after Corona humankind will accept religion only in the private sphere and will not be interested in processing religious issues in the public sphere. He added that many issues in the form of religion have misled mankind, and that religious rulings need to be reconsidered scientifically. Some religious scholars see religion as the only solution to the problem and have no attention to the scientific advices.

Dr. Homeira Qaderi stated that in different countries, the corona phenomenon has affected the economy; as well as political, cultural and social spheres. But in Iran and Afghanistan, it has mostly challenged religion. However, the coronavirus is a purely scientific matter and has nothing to do with religion. According to Qaderi, coronavirus has spread to a country like Afghanistan which faces three internal crises: a social crisis and social ignorance; a weak government; and a third crisis, a small but cautious group.