Ramadan: What is guidance around vaccines?
Dr Farzana Hussain, a senior GP, said it is a religious duty for Muslims to get vaccinated
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Your support makes all the difference.NHS professionals and Islamic faith leaders are encouraging Muslims to not let fasting during Ramadan prevent them from getting a Covid-19 jab.
Ramadan is considered by Muslims to be one of holiest Islamic months and this year takes place between 12 April and 12 May. It involves followers abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours.
This year’s holy month takes place as countries around the world are trying to vaccinate people as rapidly as possible to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The Independent has compiled guidance from NHS professionals and advice from faith leaders which encourages Muslims to take a jab if they are offered one during Ramadan.
What do medical professionals advise?
Dr Farzana Hussain, a senior GP and a practising Muslim who works at The Project Surgery in East London, said it is a religious duty for Muslims to get vaccinated.
Dr Hussain said: “Getting an injection does not break the fast as it’s not nutrition and so there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t have it if you are eligible and have been invited for your Covid-19 vaccine and those scheduled for their second dose, should take it.
“The Koran says saving your life is the most important thing: to save one life is to save the whole of humanity. It’s a responsibility of a practising Muslim to take their vaccine.”
The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) an affiliate of the Muslim Council of Britain, said that taking “vaccines currently licensed in the UK does not invalidate the fast, as per the opinion of Islamic scholars.”
BIMA adds: “Individuals should not delay their Covid vaccinations on the account of Ramadan.”
Imam Yunus Dudhwala, Head of Chaplaincy Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “This Ramadan will continue to be different. The vast majority of scholars have deemed taking the vaccine whilst fasting as permissible and stated that it does not break the fast.
“The experts have stated that the Covid-19 vaccine is effective and the best way of protecting yourself and your loved ones. I ask my Muslim brothers and sisters to consider taking the vaccine when called.
“If you have concerns about the vaccine, please talk to a healthcare professional and make an informed decision. I would like to extend my best wishes to all, especially my colleagues working in the NHS, for the month of Ramadan – Ramadan Mubarak.”
What have religious leaders said?
Qari Asim, senior imam of the Makkah Masjid, in Leeds, and chairman of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board (Minab) has also encouraged Muslims to take the vaccine.
Mr Asim said: “The vast majority of scholars believe that taking the vaccine in the month of Ramadan will not break the fast.”
“The message from Muslim religious leadership is that one should not miss the opportunity to take the vaccine when they are invited to do so.”
The senior imam said there are communications ongoing with the NHS in different parts of the UK to see if there is an opportunity to have vaccination centres in or around mosques open after sunset, so that people can have the the vaccineafter breaking the fast.
Additional reporting by PA
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