Al-Azhar refutes fatwas banning polio vaccine in Pakistan

Egypt’s Al-Azhar has warned against fatwas prohibiting the polio vaccination in Pakistan, stressing that vaccination is a religious, medical and humanitarian duty.

Al-Azhar, one of the world’s most prominent Islamic entities, said in a tweet that this prohibition is a “violation of the rights of Pakistani children and their families,” stressing that preventing a vaccine that is beneficial for the child, such as the polio vaccine, is “prohibited by Sharia.” This statement came after Pakistani Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel met Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb in Cairo, Dawn reported. 

The Pakistani Minister of Health briefed the Grand Imam about the dimensions of the crisis caused by floods and monsoon rains, which have claimed the lives of thousands of Pakistanis, swept away agricultural lands and led to the displacement of thousands of Pakistani families, stressing that Pakistan is facing exceptional and emergency circumstances, according to Sada Elbalad. 

Al-Azhar called on countries, peoples, and relief and charitable institutions around the world to stand in solidarity with Pakistan in its catastrophic situation due to torrential rains and floods that have caused a severe shortage of food and medicine and the outbreak of epidemic diseases, according to Al Ahram Gate. 

Sheikh Al-Tayyeb made special prayers for the people who have lost their lives in floods and noted that “Pakistan is a resilient nation and will definitely cope with this natural calamity,” Dawn reported. 

The Pakistani minister also stressed that the people of Pakistan have great esteem for His Eminence the Grand Imam and his efforts in spreading the values of peace. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Al-Azhar and its distinguished scholars, and conveyed confidence in Al-Azhar’s moderate approach in spreading the true image of Islam. He pointed out that Al-Azhar graduates are highly regarded in Pakistan and occupy leading positions in various Pakistani institutions, according to Sada Elbalad.