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The Jamaate-Islami Hind (JIH) has ruled that Covid-19 vaccines are permissible for Muslims even if they contain pork gelatin. The fatwa was issued by JIH Sharia Council following deliberations by its members.

“If an impermissible substance is transformed into something completely different in terms of properties and characteristics, then it may be considered as clean and permissible. On this basis, the use of gelatin derived from the body part of a haram animal has been considered permissible by Islamic jurists," the Sharia Council ruling reads. 

The fatwa follows growing debates over the use of pork gelatin, a common vaccine ingredient. “Various pharmaceutical companies worldwide are coming out with COVID-19 vaccines and some countries have even launched their immunization programs. India too has announced that vaccination will begin soon and pharma companies are preparing for the vaccine rollout. However, certain reports that the vaccine contains the extract of pork fat have raised concerns among the Muslim community. In this background, the Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has issued some guidelines regarding the permissibility of using COVID-19 vaccines under Islamic law. According to the Shariah Council, Islam has clearly outlined the limits of what is permissible and what is impermissible. It is mandatory to abide by these prohibitions even during the treatment of ailments or while taking medications. The use of any forbidden substance as a medicine is therefore prohibited. However, if an impermissible substance is transformed into something completely different in terms of properties and characteristics, then it may be considered as clean and permissible. On this basis, the use of gelatin derived from the body part of a haram animal has been considered permissible by Islamic jurists," the fatwa reads adding that opinion of some jurists about pork gelatin is the same.

“Even those jurists, who disagree with the above transformation rule, too sanction a vaccine which contains prohibited substances in case of unavailability of halal vaccines, in dire and emergency situations to protect human life. The source of ingredients of the popular vaccines, which have been made public, is not yet known with certainty. After becoming fully aware of it, further guidelines regarding its use or non-use will be issued," it said.