Purchasing fake vaccination cards

Question:-

My family are intending on ‘buying’ the Covid vaccine card, as we do not wish to be vaccinated. They are not doing so for ease of travel (this is an additional perk) but rather, because of convenience as people may be refused medical care etc. without it. (My mother has health issues which require repeated hospital consultations). It’s also because of easier business interactions with customers.

Is it permissible to do this? Can they purchase a vaccine card for me as well in this manner?

Answer:-

We at the Darul Ifta do not approve of purchasing fake vaccination cards. If we, as Muslims, are caught with fake vaccination cards and it is then discovered that we haven’t really been vaccinated, then this will be a means of humiliation for the Muslims at large. It is not permissible for us to bring humiliation and disgrace upon the Muslims.

If medical treatment is refused at government hospitals on the basis that one hasn’t been vaccinated (and one is left with no choice but to utilize government hospitals), then, on the basis of such necessity one may be vaccinated in terms of Shariah. The principle of the jurists state, “Necessities warrant prohibitions”.

Similarly, if one is required to travel abroad for business purposes, then, too, one is permitted to be vaccinated based on the above principle, as such travelling will be considered a necessity.

In conclusion, one is permitted to be vaccinated on the basis of necessity as understood from the above explanation. However, we do not approve of purchasing fake vaccination cards, as there is a risk of being caught, resulting in the Muslims being humiliated (which is not permissible).

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 06 Rajab 1443 / 08 February 2022