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Ramadan 2021: Should you take the COVID-19 vaccine while fasting?

Ramadan 2021: Should you take the COVID-19 vaccine while fasting?

Starting April 12, Muslims around the world and in Canada will observe the holy month of Ramadan. This will be the second year in a row Canadians will observe Ramadan under strict circumstances due to COVID-19.

While fasting from sunrise to sunset is an important part of Ramadan, Muslims also pray, reflect, self-improve, and help those in need.

While Muslims were hoping this Ramadan would be COVID-restriction-free, the vaccine provides a ray of light in these dire times. Global COVID-19 vaccine campaigns are underway, and although experts have encouraged Canadians to get the vaccine if they are eligible, some hesitancy from the Muslim community is expected around this time considering Muslims need to abstain from all food, drinks entering the body.

Will receiving the vaccine while fasting break your fast?

Since the vaccine is given via an intramuscular injection, fast remains valid. Expert Muslim organizations have made it clear that getting the COVID-19 vaccine while fasting will not break your fast.

There are no religious implications on taking the vaccine stated the Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau which has eleven Imams on the council.

"Taking vaccination while in the state of fasting will not cause any harm to your fast," said the Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau. "The Council is asking the Muslim community to fully participate in the vaccination program as and when it becomes available to you."

Furthermore, the Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force is another platform with experts that stated the vaccine will not invalidate your fast, and there is no medical or spiritual reason to not delay it while fasting.

The Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force is a platform that aims to provide guidance, fight misinformation, and share public health messages to Canadian-Muslim communities. They also collaborate with Canadian-Muslim community leaders, experts, and organizations.

Are the vaccines Halal?

All four vaccines authorized by Health Canada are Halal.

"Multiple Islamic fiqh authorities, fatwa-issuing bodies and Muslim medical associations, including the Muslim Medical Association of Canada and the Canadian Council of Imams, have taken the position that these vaccines are permissible and Halal," stated Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force.

There is vaccine hesitancy among minority populations due to misconceptions such as that vaccines breaking your fast, or not knowing what is in the vaccines. However, experts are encouraging Muslim Canadians, like everyone else, to get the vaccine if you are eligible.

"Vaccines are medicines that prevent illness and save lives, making them congruent with the main objectives of the Islamic Sharia," added the Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force. "Canadian Muslims should therefore consider it a duty and obligation to protect themselves, their families and their