LAHORE: Issuing a fatwa (religious decree), Darul Ifta Pakistan on Monday declared vaccination against the coronavirus legal and permissible in accordance with Shariah, saying that it was needed to prevent the pandemic.

At a press conference in the office of Muttahida Ulema Board, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi announced the religious decree.

Flanked by dozens of ulema representing all shades of opinion, Ashrafi said: “This decree is being issued with the consent and consultation of ulema, muftis and leading religious scholars of Darul Ifta Pakistan.”

The fatwa states it is responsibility of every individual to get himself vaccinated, adding that vaccination is permissible in accordance with Shariah. It also asks the philanthropists to come forward and help those who cannot buy it, even with zakat.

The fatwa was issued after a series of meetings chaired by Imam-i-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Hameed in Jeddah, which operates under the auspices of the OIC.

Hafiz Ashrafi also states that leading scholars Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Mufti-e-Azam of Saudi Arabia, the president of Palestine and other important Muslim leaders have been vaccinated. He says Darul Ifta also endorses and supports the fatwa of Mufti-e-Azam Saudi Arabia about vaccination during fasting

and according to Islamic law, vaccination does not break the fast. Ashrafi said no proposal was under consideration to close mosques during or before Ramazan.

He said the supply of vaccines for Haj and Umrah pilgrims would be ensured as per the instructions of the Saudi government.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2021