The Bio-Spiritual Shield: A Neuro-Immunological and Theological Analysis of “Tawbah” in Mitigating Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens (Nipah and Marburg Virus)
Amalia Tri Utami*, Aasiyah Muzaahim, Al Haarits Harrats and Maryam Aali ‘Imroon
ABSTRACT
The contemporary global health landscape is increasingly defined by the emergence of high-mortality zoonotic pathogens, most notably the Nipah (NiV) and Marburg viruses. While conventional epidemiology focuses on virological containment and vaccine development, this paper explores the synergistic role of “Tawbah” (Islamic repentance) as a systematic preventive intervention. By synthesizing the principles of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) with Islamic eschatology, this study demonstrates how “Tawbah” facilitates a biological “reset.” It mitigates the immunosuppressive effects of chronic spiritual distress and cortisol dysregulation while mandating ecological and behavioral shifts that disrupt the spillover pathway. The findings suggest that Tawbah functions as a multi-layered shield: spiritually reconciling the Creator-creature relationship, biologically enhancing immune surveillance, and behaviorally curbing risky zoonotic interactions.
