The imam of a local mosque in Blackburn has urged congregation aged 18 and older to get vaccinated in order to build up a “community immunity” and get back to pre-pandemic normal life.

“We at Masjid-e-Saliheen are working very hard and have made it as a focal point for ‘community immunity’ helping spread the word that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective,” Masjid-e-Saliheen, Blackburn, chairman Saleem Kapadi said, This Is Lancashire reported.

“This is why it is important to get as many people as possible vaccinated. And that it is our best hope of ending the COVID-19 pandemic and getting back to the people and things we love and enjoy.”

📚 Read Also: UK Health Secretary Praises Muslims for Efforts in Vaccination

The mosque was the first in Lancashire to promote COVID-19 vaccine. Now, it has set up a daily clinic in partnership with Aston Pharmacy which offers both the Pfizer and the Astra Zeneca vaccines.

Zafar Iqbal, from Aston Pharmacy said: “This is the first clinic we have set up here. We have four people working and vaccinating.”

“A lot of people ask questions as there is a lot of false information out there. We can only go on what the clinical evidence is. People should not be listening to fake news but talk to a healthcare professional instead. Anyone can address any concerns before we proceed with the vaccination.

“There are now a lot people from the Asian community coming forward who recognize the benefits of vaccination. People can book an appointment or come in at any time.”

📚 Read Also:  Imam Who Helped Set Up Vaccination Clinic Dies of COVID-19

Normal Life

Kapadi hopes that more vaccinations will help Muslims get back to normal soon.

“In the end, though, we will build up immunity to this virus; life will be able to return to “normal” eventually,” Kapadi said.

“The fastest way to get to that point is for each of us to do our part in the coming months to reduce the spread of the virus – continue to wear masks, maintain distance, avoid high-risk indoor gatherings, and get vaccinated.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed Muslims to seek medical treatments: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not created a disease without appointing a remedy for it.” (Abu Dawud)

Earlier this month, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock praised the Muslim community over its efforts in the COVID vaccination drive.

Over the past months, UK Muslim leaders opened vaccine centers inside mosques and worked tirelessly to counter misinformation about vaccines.

Birmingham’s landmark Green Lane Masjid and Community Center issued a statement last month to clear skepticism surrounding COVID vaccine and urge Muslims to seek medical advice.  

In January 2021, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) okayed the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 for Muslims.

In December, BIMA also approved Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for Muslim communities, confirming that there are no animal products in this vaccine.