KUALA LUMPUR – The Perak Islamic Religious Department has called on all Muslims to avoid the fearmongering propaganda passed on by anti-vaxxer groups and to not spread their anti-vaccine messages in light of the staggered deployment of the Covid-19 shots in Malaysia.
Quoting the 43rd verse of Surah An-Nahl in its Friday prayer sermon today, the department reminded members of the congregation that they must seek answers from experts if they are unfamiliar with any subject or topic, as by not doing so, they could confuse and endanger themselves and others.
“The pulpit calls the congregation to follow the instructions of our leaders and appreciate the efforts of the government to implement something that is makruf (good) in efforts to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Second, the congregation must have faith and trust the advice of medical practitioners, who are experts in their field. Allah SWT wants us to refer to experts of the field if we encounter any issue or problems.
“Third, we must take collective responsibility and explain things based on scientific facts on the importance of the vaccination and its benefits.
“Fourth, don’t frighten the public with fake news or opinions, and avoid from spreading statements from anti-vaccine groups that can trigger doubt in the minds of the public.”
The department said getting the vaccine is critical to boost a person’s health, especially for those in high-risk groups.
It also quoted the 195th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, which states: “Do not purposely throw yourself into danger and destruction.” – The Vibes, February 26, 2021
