Numerous vaccination sites have been set up in mosques around England to encourage and support Muslims to get the vaccine amid worries that Ramadan fasting may dissuade some.
NHS staff and officials from the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) have given the green light on taking the vaccine during the holy month, saying that it would not break the fast.
Erum Suleman, founder of the charity 'Erum's Helping Hand' and a devout Muslim, said that she felt getting the jab was directly in line with the aims of Ramadan. She explained that "Whatever we do for good in these 30 days of Ramadan is a good step for the future, for our children and for our families. By doing this we are showing that we care for others, our community, for everybody, and we are helping others—which is what Ramadan is about."
Dr Ather Hussain, an Imam based in Leicester, has been encouraging fellow Muslims to take the vaccine as it is a "form of worship". He explains: "Worship is anything that brings kindness and unity to people around you." He further added that Ramadan is pertinent this year, as it "opens your eyes to our responsibilities and who and what matters in your life, and in the pandemic, everyone matters."
Dr Shehla Imtiaz-Umer, a GP based in Derby and a spokesperson for the BIMA also encouraged Muslims to go and get the jab: "As Muslims we have a duty to preserve life and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent illness and loss of life from Covid-19. We must now stand together and not allow this progress to halt during Ramadan."
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