Sharʿī Ruling and Research on Administering Polio Drops to Children
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām)
What is the Sharʿī ruling on giving polio drops to children?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
A conclusive Sharʿī verdict on the polio vaccine can only be given after complete and reliable research. There are two possible considerations:
◈ If, after the research of medical experts, it is proven that the polio vaccine is beneficial for health,
◈ And it helps protect children from a dangerous disease,
◈ Then there is no Sharʿī objection to its use,
◈ Regardless of public rumors against it, which hold no weight,
◈ Since in matters of medicine, the correct opinion belongs to qualified doctors, not the general public.
◈ If research shows that the vaccine is harmful or detrimental to health,
◈ Then its use would be impermissible in Sharīʿah.
◈ At present, we do not have complete and authoritative research regarding the polio vaccine.
◈ Therefore, issuing a final Sharʿī verdict at this time is not possible.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām)
Question:
What is the Sharʿī ruling on giving polio drops to children?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
A conclusive Sharʿī verdict on the polio vaccine can only be given after complete and reliable research. There are two possible considerations:
① If the Polio Vaccine Is Beneficial
◈ If, after the research of medical experts, it is proven that the polio vaccine is beneficial for health,
◈ And it helps protect children from a dangerous disease,
◈ Then there is no Sharʿī objection to its use,
◈ Regardless of public rumors against it, which hold no weight,
◈ Since in matters of medicine, the correct opinion belongs to qualified doctors, not the general public.
② If the Polio Vaccine Is Harmful
◈ If research shows that the vaccine is harmful or detrimental to health,
◈ Then its use would be impermissible in Sharīʿah.
Current Situation
◈ At present, we do not have complete and authoritative research regarding the polio vaccine.
◈ Therefore, issuing a final Sharʿī verdict at this time is not possible.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
