Islam allows the use of vaccine although it may contain haram substances (forbidden in Islam) when there is no other medicine available.

Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said Islam stresses on the well-being of its followers in terms of faith, life, mind, lineage and wealth, as such the vaccine injection is permissible in Islam.

"This vaccine is required in Islam as it a part of 'al-Wiqoyah', namely a method of healthcare in Islam," he said.

Mohamad Shukri said this after opening a Fatwa Education Dialogue programme that was also attended by the director of the Fatwa Management Division at the Department of Islamic Development, Mazlan Abdullah, at Kota Darul Naim Complex in Kota Baru yesterday.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam reportedly said the outbreak of measles and rashes has increased following an anti-vaccine movement that rejected the vaccine injection for fear it contained pig DNA.

Mohamad Shukri said although there were claims the injected vaccine contained probhibited substances, it is allowed if the government has no other choice.

"If the claims are true and the government has no other choice, then the vaccine injection is permissible in Islam and is considered an emergency.

"I advise Muslims to take this injection for our immunity. We have been taking it for some time and it should not pose a problem," he said.

- Bernama