Is Polio Vaccine against Islamic Values?

Throughout history many misconceptions have circulated regarding the inoculation of polio vaccine. Apart from the paranoia that OPV can cause the recipient to fall sick, many people are of the belief that OPV can make girls infertile; several other believe that it’s a western plot to introduce diseases in the Muslim population.

A research paper reflected on a reason, which a group of Muslims have based on Islamic teachings, to avoid polio vaccine. It said, “Vaccines have a prophylactic nature. This characteristic has caused much propaganda in some groups of Muslims who mistook is as a way of averting fate or the will of God, by impugning on the knowledge of the unforeseen.”

Islam has never shunned science. The success of vaccine in eradication of smallpox is unknown to no man, as well as the reduction in cases of measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough. Islam promotes any practice that is meant for the wellbeing of mankind, especially when it is aimed at protecting generations from lethal, PREVENTABLE, diseases.

[Note: We debunked a few common OPV myths vaccines-saviour-or-hoax/]

While talking to media, renowned Muslim Scholar, Mufti Taqi Usmani praised the polio campaign. He said, “On coming across various concerns of people regarding the harmful nature of OPV, I consulted with several of my friends in medicine; they rejected all negative notions connected to polio vaccine, and confirmed its benefits.”

“It does not contain any harmful substance,” he added.

On being asked if he would encourage people to get their children inoculated with polio drops, Mufti Taqi Usmani replied positively. He said, “Yes, I do ask people to benefit from polio vaccine.”

“I myself have had the polio vaccine several times,” said Mufti Sahab, “I take it before all my international travel.”

Mufti Taqi Usmani is greatly admired and largely followed by Muslims all over the world. He fulfilled an important responsibility by making people aware of the benefits of polio vaccine, and encouraged them to use it without fear in order to ensure a healthier and safer future.