Vaccinations containing Haraam ingredients
Question:-
What is your view in regards to administering vaccinations that contain Haraam ingredients? A complete metamorphosis takes place and neither does the ingredient, nor traces of the ingredient, remain.
Answer:-
The pig is considered as impure (Najis-ul-Ain) and therefore, it is impermissible to derive benefit from any part of the pig. Similarly carrion has been categorized as Haraam and it is, therefore, impermissible to generally derive benefit from it as well.
However, in the case of extreme necessity where a pious, expert Muslim doctor advises one that the cure of his/her illness is only in utilizing a certain product or medication that contains a Haraam ingredient, and there is no other alternative available on the market, then it will be permissible to use that particular medication. [Re:- Ilaaj Wa’Muaalaja ke Shari’ee Ahkaam Pg.91]
However, in the case of vaccinations, such a necessity does not exist, as these vaccinations are generally administered as a precautionary measure against certain diseases or viruses, and not on the basis of necessity as explained above. Secondly, there is absolutely no guarantee that one will be protected from the disease. In fact, there have been cases where patients that were vaccinated contracted the virus, while the unvaccinated remained safe and protected by the Grace of Almighty Allah.
We, therefore, do not approve of the vaccinations in question under normal circumstances, even though the Haraam ingredients may no longer be discernible. Yes, in the case of severe necessity where it is a mandatory requirement by the government law, that all children must be vaccinated, or it has been made mandatory due to an outbreak of a life-threatening epidemic, or travellers are restricted from travelling abroad unless vaccinated, then under such conditions some degree of concession has been afforded by the Muftis whereby one will be permitted to be vaccinated; moreso if the reality is as was mentioned by you, that the Haraam ingredients undergo a metamorphosis, resulting in no trace of the Haraam ingredients being left.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 29 Rajab 1443 / 03 March 2022