MUI: AstraZeneca Vaccine Is Haram, But Can Be Used

AMONG

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has allowed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in national vaccination. Although legally the vaccine from England is not allowed because it contains pork trypsin.

MUI allows the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the national vaccination program, even though the composition of the British vaccine contains pork which is forbidden by Muslims.

This decision was made after the MUI conducted a fatwa study because previously the vaccine was postponed by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

MUI conducted a review of document examinations related to the ingredients of AstraZeneca vaccine production. Then it was followed up in the meeting by hearing government statements, especially regarding the urgency of the COVID-19 vaccination, as well as information from BPOM regarding vaccine guarantees and also the producers of AstraZeneca and PT Biofarma which are responsible for the procurement of distribution.

"So MUI, after conducting a study process from the religious aspect, and also an examination related to the ingredient aspect as well as the production process as well as statements from the government and experts with competence and credibility, by asking Allah SWT's grace, on March 16, 2021, MUI stipulated Fatwa Number 14 of 2021 concerning the law. the use of the COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca products", said MUI Chairman Asrorun Niam Sholeh in an online press conference, Friday, March 19.

Furthermore, on March 17 the fatwa was submitted to the government to serve as a guide. "And today, Friday 19 March, the fatwa was explained to the public", he said.

Asrorun Niam explained, the fatwa related to AstraZeneca's product which was accused was the COVID-19 vaccine produced by AstraZeneca at SK Biosains Andong, South Korea.

"The legal provision is that the first vaccine, AstraZeneca products, is haram because the production stages use trypsin from pigs", he explained.

Even so, secondly, he continued, the use of the COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca is currently legally permissible for five reasons, including:

a. There is a condition of urgent need that occupies the position of emergency Syar'i.

b. There is information from a competent and trusted expert about the dangers of not getting the COVID-19 vaccination immediately.

c. The availability of the halal and holy COVID-19 vaccine is insufficient in the implementation of vaccination, to realize herd immunity.

d. There is a guarantee of the safety of its use by the government. By the results of the fatwa commission meeting.

e. The government does not have the freedom to choose the type of COVID-19 vaccine, given the limited vaccines available both in Indonesia and at the global level.

Third, continued Asrorun Niam, the permit to use the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as referred to in number two is no longer valid with reasons starting from letters a to e are missing.

Fourth, the government must continue to ensure the availability of the halal and holy COVID-19 vaccine.

"Fifth, Indonesian Muslims must participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program implemented by the government to achieve group immunity and be free from the COVID-19 outbreak", he said.