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Chapter 15 - Immunization and Islamic Guidance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

By
Janine Owens
Edited by
Basil H. Aboul-Enein ,
G. Hussein Rassool ,
Nada Benajiba ,
Joshua Bernstein  and
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Basil H. Aboul-Enein
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
G. Hussein Rassool
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Nada Benajiba
Affiliation:
Ibn Tofail University
Joshua Bernstein
Affiliation:
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Affiliation:
Applied Science Private University
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Summary

Immunization is a global development success story, saving millions of lives yearly by reducing the risks of contracting an infectious disease and enabling the immune system within the body to build protection. The global eradication of smallpox in 1977 demonstrates the potential of well-designed immunization campaigns. Islamic teaching places attention on preserving life, encouraging Muslims to care for their bodies and overall health, because of its preventive function. However, vaccination of populations is not without challenges; for example, vaccine hesitancy or avoidance emerges for a variety of reasons in Muslim populations, increasing the risks of communicable diseases globally. Public health has a role to play in countering issues. Such issues include misinformation, acting with diplomacy when discussing immunization programs with Muslim community leaders, ensuring the availability of evidence-based accessible information, and educating populations about the necessity and protective ability of vaccines to prevent life-threatening diseases. It also has a role to play in educating non-Muslim professionals about culturally competent care.

Keywords

Qur’anIslamimmunizationvaccination
Type
Chapter
Information
Contemporary Islamic Perspectives in Public Health , pp. 92 - 98
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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