TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Edict Commission of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) announced a fatwa or an edict stating that the Covid-19 vaccine administered via the intramuscular route will not invalidate fasting.

This is noted in Fatwa No. 13/2021 on the status of vaccination during Ramadan fasting issued in a plenary meeting today, March 16.

The commission head Asrorun Niam Sholeh explained the intramuscular injection is an injection technique used to deliver medication or vaccine into the muscles.

“Covid-19 vaccination carried out with the intramuscular injection does not invalidate fasting,” as quoted from the edict.

The edict declares that using intramuscular injections to administer vaccines for Muslims who are undergoing fasting is allowed as long as it does not cause harm or dharar.

The edict also recommends the government hold vaccination during the fasting month of Ramadan, in a bid to curb virus transmission, by considering the condition of Muslims.

Thus, it is suggested to be held at night, instead of daytime over fears of harm given the weak physical condition of recipients who abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

“Muslims are obliged to participate in the Covid-19 vaccination program implemented by the government to achieve herd immunity and be free from the Covid-19 pandemic,” the MUI edict noted.

Read: Ulema Council Members Receive Covid-19 Vaccines

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