MUI Gives Nod to COVID-19 Vaccination during Ramadan

Mass COVID-19 vaccination for teachers in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Thursday (18/03). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on 16 March 2021 issued a fatwa (edict) Number 13 of 2021 declaring that COVID-19 vaccination through intramuscular injection will not invalidate a Muslim’s fast during the fasting month of Ramadan.

“The MUI has issued a fatwa stating that vaccination in the month of Ramadan does not invalidate fasting,” Vice President Ma’ruf Amin said after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination at the Vice President’s Official Residence in Jakarta, Wednesday (17/03).

The Vice President explained that the reason the vaccine does not break the fast in Ramadan is because the vaccine is given through injection in the arm and so long as it does not cause dharar (harm).

The Vice President also stated that everyone must still follow strict health protocols after receiving the jab.

“We have to follow health protocols by wearing face masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, and complying with activity restrictions policy,” he said.

The Vice President also appealed to the public to take part in the vaccination program as an effort to support the Government in achieving herd immunity.

In the meantime,  Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin reaffirmed the safety of the vaccine and said that the Vice President was in good health after receiving vaccination.

The Minister also said that human body’s immunity against the new virus will emerge 28 days after receiving the second dose of the vaccine, while urging the public to remain vigilant. (BPMI SETWAPRES/UN) (RI/MUR)