Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Roll out in South Africa

JUSA STATEMENT

 

All praise belongs to Allah, the Giver and Curer of illnesses. May peace and salutations be upon our beloved and compassionate Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam and his illustrious and most revered companions Radhiallahu ‘Anhum Ajma’een.

 

“And if Allah causes you some harm, no one is there to remove it except He Himself; and if He causes you some good, then He is powerful over everything.” (6:17)

 

Jabir ibn Abdullah Radhi-Allahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: ‘For every illness there is a medicine. When a remedy is used, then a person becomes cured by the consent of Allah.” (Muslim)

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives. Globally, over 2.5 million people have perished and many more have suffered effects of the disease that in some cases linger on, long after contracting the coronavirus disease. In South Africa as well as abroad, we are looking forward to a restored normality that will be conducive to protecting lives and livelihoods, by the Grace of the Almighty.

 

Following research and trials, South Africa is poised to roll out a mass inoculation campaign against Covid-19. Among other factors, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) looks at safety and efficacy in order to approve a vaccine. However, crucially pivotal to any Muslim is the purity of any substance. Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam 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 Dawood)

 

Our own studies in addition to consultations with the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa as well as other professionals and stakeholders, have brought to the fore information that satisfies the various considerations that are taken into account under Shari‘ah. On the basis of the information acquired so far pertaining to the ingredients and production processes of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa is of the view that the formulation of the vaccine is permissible to a Muslim to have it administered.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we advise Muslims to seek advice from Muslim medical specialists, on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, taking into account one’s specific health and medical condition.

 

May Allah Ta’aala deliver us from this pandemic, and may He forgive our deceased. We ask Him to grant patience to the bereaved families. We beseech Almighty Allah to keep all of us safe. Aameen.

 

Issued by:

The Executive Committee
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

21 Rajab 2021 / 5 March 2021