Preservation of Life in Tandem with Shariah Compliances Regarding Covid-19 Vaccines

Abstract

The preservation of life (hifz al-nafs) is, from the Islamic standpoint, the second most important after the preservation of faith (hifz al-din). Islam will not compromise any act that violates the objectives of Shariah. Health presents mankind a great responsibility, for which human beings are accountable to God on the day of judgement. Thus, vaccination is necessary as it upholds the principles of the sanctity of human life and the avoidance of harm (mafsadah), such as death from the effects of the virulent coronavirus. On the other hand, seeking halal is obligatory and the term ‘Shariah compliance’, not only means that the thing should be lawful (halal), but also wholesome (tayyiban). Therefore, scientists struggle to produce not only halal vaccines for Covid-19, but the treatment is also ensured to made up of safe, efficacious, and adverse effect free. The Almighty says in the Qur’an: “And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Al-Maidah, 5:32).