Muslims in West Yorkshire urged to get covid jab during Ramadan
During Ramadan many Muslims don't have food and drink in daylight hours.
Muslims in West Yorkshire are being encouraged to get the covid-19 vaccine during Ramadan.
During Ramadan many Muslims don't have food and drink in daylight hours.
However, Qari Asim, the Imam at Leeds Makkah Mosque in Hyde Park said:
"The injection only goes to the muscles and anything that's non nutritious and doesn't go to the bloodstream will not invalidate the fast.
"Even those scholars who are of the view that taking the vaccine breaks the fast, they are still urging people to take the vaccine during Ramadan and make up the fast at a later date."
He says some muslim organisations are working with the NHS to see if they can keep some vaccination centres open past sunset, so once fasting is broke they can go and get the jab.
They're also asking whether vaccine buses can be parked outside some of the Mosque's in a city for people to get vaccinated after sunset.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and national medical director for primary care said:
“The largest vaccination programme in NHS history has been a huge success since its inception but we must continue to challenge misinformation and advocate the vaccine as being entirely appropriate to have during Ramadan.
“It is vital that people of all faiths feel able to come forward and get the vaccine.”
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi said:
“Vaccines are the best way to protect people from Coronavirus and are already saving thousands of lives and we want to make sure everybody can get a vaccine when it’s their turn - including those fasting this Ramadan.
“I know how important it is for people to be able to observe Ramadan as they would like so the government is working closely with local authorities, charities, faith and community groups to ensure people get the best advice and information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including on getting it.
“Vaccines are crucial in our fight against the virus and they help keep us and our loved ones safe, while enabling us to safely progress back to normal life.”