The Ruling of Vaccinations

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn Baz

Question: What is the ruling of medicating before the occurrence of the disease, as in vaccination?

Answer: There is no harm in medicating if one fears disease, due to the existence of an epidemic or other reasons due to which he fears being afflicted with a disease. There is no harm with medicating in order to repel the ailment which one fears. This is due to the statement of the prophet ﷺ within the authentic narration:

من تصبح بسبع تمرات من تمر المدينة لم يضره سحر ولا سم

“He who eats seven dates from the dates of Al-Madinah (Ajwa dates) in the morning, no magic nor poison will harm him.”

This is a type of repelling the affliction before its occurrence. Similarly, if one fears a disease and vaccinates (as a means) against an epidemic that has spread within a country or a place, then there is no harm in that, from the perspective of repelling harm. Just as a disease that is currently in place may be treated with medicines, the disease that one fears (being afflicted with) may likewise be treated. However, it is not permissible to hang Talismans or veils (believing them to be) protection from from illness or the Jinn or the evil-eye, due to the prohibition of the prophet ﷺ for that. He, upon him be prayers and peace, has clarified that this is from minor polytheism. Hence, it is obligatory to beware of this.

Source: Majmu’ Fatawa wa Maqalat Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz (6/26)

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Translated by Raha Batts