#Vaccine religious exemption letter pdf free

Fatwas are of critical importance to vaccine acceptance in Muslim populations, which have long had concerns about purity of contents ( 7).

During the Fatwa formulation process, Ulamas attempt to weigh religious and scientific values fairly ( 6). Ulamas formulate Fatwas regarding COVID-19 vaccines by considering Sharia sources and scientific studies.

Since Fatwas are based on Fiqh and Ulamas’ ijtihad, varying scientific background and religious experience of Ulamas or authorized institutions may engender multiple different rulings on an issue, including vaccines ( 5). When Muslims need clarity, Ulama perform ijtihad (best efforts) based on their understanding of Sharia and issue a Fatwa (ruling) to address questions. Fiqh is neither sacred nor fixed, as it results from human opinion at a certain place and time and can be modified according to circumstances ( 3). While Sharia is the decree of God, Fiqh is accomplished via analysis by Ulama (clerics) of Al-Quran and Al-Hadith. To effectuate God’s will, Islamic scholars provide their interpretation through the Islamic body of law called Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). The sources of Sharia are the Al-Quran (Islamic holy book) and Al-Hadith (record of the words, actions, and the silent approval of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad) ( 3, 4). In Islam, every aspect of life should align with Sharia (Islamic law), or God’s will for humankind. This article will provide an Islamic perspective on COVID-19 vaccines. Unfortunately, uptake has been hindered for several reasons, including religious beliefs ( 2). Major vaccination efforts are now ongoing throughout the world ( 1). A coordinated global response led to development of COVID-19 vaccines in record time. Elevations in case numbers, circulation of variants of concern and potential variants of high consequence have alarmed the world. We herein explain the interplay between Sharia (Islamic law) and scientific considerations in addressing the challenge of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, particularly in Muslim populations.ĬOVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, ignited a pandemic in 2020 and continues to circulate.

#Vaccine religious exemption letter pdf free

Broader use of animal component free reagents during manufacturing may further increase acceptance among Muslims. Fatwa councils agree that vaccines are necessary in the context of our current pandemic receiving a COVID-19 vaccination is actually a form of compliance with Sharia law. However, concerns about vaccine products’ Halal (permissible to consume by Islamic law) status and potential harm can inhibit acceptance. Efforts to protect humans, such as vaccines, are highly encouraged in Islam. In Muslim-majority countries, Islamic jurisprudence, which places great importance on sanctity and safety of human life and protection of livelihoods, may influence vaccine uptake. Under these circumstances, effective vaccines play a critical role in saving lives, improving population health, and facilitating economic recovery. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused health, economic, and social challenges globally.

4HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.

3National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.

2National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.

1Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease (INA-RESPOND), Jakarta, Indonesia.

Yan Mardian 1* Kathryn Shaw-Shaliba 2 Muhammad Karyana 3 Chuen-Yen Lau 4