Muscat, 14 April 2019 – Prominent ulemas from Afghanistan and Pakistan gathered in Muscat, Oman, with support of the Islamic Advisory Group to discuss issues surrounding polio vaccination in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the light of Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
During the two days numerous issues relating to polio vaccination and its successes and challenges were discussed, including barriers to vaccination and reaching every child.
Misconceptions about polio vaccination were discussed and a final declaration was issued with 10 provisions, including, “Underlining that vaccinating children is a moral and religious obligation, and not allowing or not vaccinating even a single child is a serious deviation from this important collective obligation as the Prophet Mohammed, blessings and peace be upon him, said, “It is sin enough for one to cause the loss of whom he feeds” (Abu Dawoud).
Mufti Ehsanul Haqq Hanafi, Member of Darul Ifta Supreme Court and also member of National Islamic Advisory Group in Afghanistan said, “Religious scholars have a duty to inform people that the polio vaccine is effective for the health and well-being of children and is allowed by Sharia. I call upon those scholars rejecting the polio vaccine to reconsider their stance for the sake of protecting children's health”.
The provisions were complemented by reconfirmation and reiterations of previous commandments and declarations.
