A controversial magnet in Australia has asked Muslims not to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease being developed by the University of Oxford. Sufyaan Khalifa claimed that the vaccine AstraZeneca is developing is ‘haram’, which means prohibited.
Khalifa posted a video on his YouTube channel in which he criticized the methodology adopted by AstraZeneca, which said it is making the vaccine using fetal cells from a baby aborted in the 1970s and developed in a laboratory.
“It is a shame for some Muslim bodies to justify the use of the vaccine. Shame on any imam who signed this fatwah, ”Khalifa said in the video.
His is the growing voice of religious figures who are against Australia’s vaccine deal with AstraZeneca. A high-ranking Catholic archbishop had recently warned that he is “deeply concerned” by the deal, saying the possible vaccine uses a fetal cell line that creates an “ethical dilemma” for Christians.
The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in which he described the concerns of some Christians about the apparent use of the vaccine from a cell line derived from an elective abortion performed decades ago. The letter was signed by Anglican and Greek Orthodox religious leaders.
He also urged Morrison to look for other “ethical” vaccine candidates to ensure religious objectors have a choice.
Referring to the objection raised by Catholic bodies, Imam Khalifa lashed out at Muslim bodies in Australia. “Catholics have clearly faced this because they know that it is haram, it is illegal. But instead you support the government, ”said the Perth imam.
Australia announced earlier this month an agreement with AstraZeneca to make the vaccine “promising” if it is proven safe and effective, with plans to offer it free to the entire population.
Some of Australia’s officials have said they respect the sentiments of religious communities. An Australian government spokesman had said they are “investing in research and technology that we hope will produce a range of vaccines that are suitable for as many Australians as possible”.
Among them is the candidate vaccine from the University of Queensland, which the official said does not contain fetal cell lines and has received A $ 5 million in government funding.
It is currently in phase 1 efficacy trials, while the Oxford vaccine is among the few globally to have reached phase 3.
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