Concept of Vaccination and Immunization in Islam and Contemporary Law

Vaccine hesitancy is growing day by day in countries like Pakistan, as a result, it has led to unnecessary suffering and loss of human life. Vaccination is a medical process where a vaccine is administrated to activate the immune system offering protection against specific diseases, while immunization refers to the process through which an individual develops immunity to a particular disease after receiving the vaccine, to minimize the chances of contracting an infection and its associated complications. Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes the principles of preserving human life and promoting public health. Vaccination falls under the Islamic concept of “public interest” (Maslaha) and the duty to safeguard the broader community by preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Vaccination contributes to the welfare of society, aligning with the core values of compassion and social responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed the importance of seeking medical treatment when ill, reinforcing the value of healthcare in Islam. Whereas, contemporary laws, including international agreements like the International Covenant Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), require states to support vaccination and uphold the entitlement to the highest achievable level of health and the benefits of scientific progress. This paper explored the legality of vaccination and immunization and precautionary medical measures in Islamic law and Contemporary law. It highlighted the need for respectful dialogues and policy measures that respect both personal autonomy and the broader public health imperative. For the study, the doctrinal research methodology has been adopted. The researcher has embraced both primary, and secondary sources, scholarly articles, and Journals of Islamic and contemporary law to gather the relevant data.