Faizel Patel – 15/06/2021

As South Africa battles the the third wave of the Coronavirus, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa has issued a statement on the pandemic which has enveloped the entire globe.

Globally, over 3.8 million people have succumbed to the pandemic whilst a substantial number of infected individuals continue to battle with the aftermath of infection, long after contracting the coronavirus disease.

Below is the statement from the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa.

The Third Wave

Currently South Africa is in the midst of the third wave. Our behaviour and social patterns over the next weeks will be among the factors determining the extent of the severity of this wave. As a community we have to exercise caution and remain vigilant at this critical juncture. We must limit unnecessary social interaction and follow the prescribed health guidelines when meeting or interacting with others.

Pfizer-BioNtech

Our own studies in addition to consultations with the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa as well as other professionals and stakeholders, indicate that the vaccine meets the standards prescribed by Shari’ah. According to the information at hand, the Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNtech) vaccine for Covid-19 contains no ingredient that would affect the Shar’ī permissibility of the vaccine. Likewise, it has been deemed sufficiently safe and efficacious by several medicine regulatory agencies including SAHPRA (South Africa’s regulating agency), the US-regulating agency FDA, and the European Union’s EMA. It has also been noted that mild to moderate side-effects, including allergic reactions, may occur with the administration of the vaccine. It therefore advisable that before taking the vaccine, a health practitioner be consulted for any health-specific concerns.

Allah is the Ultimate Protector

Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam has said: “Allah has revealed the sickness as well the cure, and has committed a cure for every sickness. So, make use of medical treatment, and do not treat using Haram.” (Abu Dawud) We are of the view that it is permissible to take the vaccine. Those who opt to vaccinate themselves should do so with the absolute belief that Allah I is the Ultimate Protector against, and Curer of disease. The efficacy of the vaccine is by the Permission of Allah. No harm or good can come our away except as decreed by Allah.

May Allah Ta’aala deliver us from this pandemic, forgive the deceased and grant shifa to the ill. (Aameen)

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)