And so, a number of Malaysian Muslims have decided to make noise about it.
Last year, the issue came about when pig DNA was found in chocolate. Oh what a big hoo haa that was. This year, a group of Muslims are claiming that certain vaccines contain it.
MUST READ: JAKIM's test results on Cadbury samples in line with international standards
And because of that, a group of Muslims have decided to refuse vaccination for children claiming that it would be halal.
I have no qualms in saying that they are ridiculous for doing so.
MUST READ: Does Malaysia have enough supply of 5-in-1 infant vaccine?
Islam is a religion that, first and foremost, does not inconvenience it’s followers. And something that is done for the good of mankind, should be accepted as that.
There is a term in Islam known as ‘Istihalah’. It is defined as the transformation of najis or filth into something different, usually something beneficial.
Take for example the process of purifying waste water into consumable water. There are many countries where this technology is widely used for their water supply, Singapore being one.
Consuming and drinking such water would be permissible and halal even though it’s origins would most probably have been from the toilet or anywhere else.
Another example would be the fermentation of alcohol into vinegar, which is widely used in Muslim cuisine and is considered halal.
Yet another example: using manure, which is basically animal feces, to fertilise plants. Would the produce like vegetables and fruits from these plants be considered haram?
The rationale, from what I understand, would be that if any element initially considered haram is chemically transformed into a different, more useful form, it should be considered halal.
This is supported by many Islamic scholars, among them renowned ulamas like Yusof Qardawi, Sheikh Faisal Maulawi and even our own Datuk Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.
MUST READ: What's unclean can turn halal, says Dr Asri
Sure, there are others who have opposing views and everybody is entitled to their opinions and interpretations.
This is a matter of fiqh, or jurisprudence, which is subject to interpretation, opinion, rationale and societal context. It is allowed for Muslims to have opposing and different viewpoints.
But I have to draw the line when it comes to vaccination and the health of children, because kids don't have a say in such matters.
Should we not speak up when overzealous parents make decisions that are detrimental to their children’s health and safety?
There are so many deadly diseases that can easily kill your child if they are not vaccinated.
Use your logic and common sense. God gave it to you for a reason.
The views expressed here are strictly those of the author's and does not necessarily reflect Astro AWANI's.
