In the name of Allah the most gracious and the most merciful, Assalamualaikum and Ramadan Mubarak to my fellow Muslims observing the holy month.

Our local communities continue to be tested severely by Covid-19, which is sadly still claiming lives. I would like to thank everyone who has already taken the vaccine and those who made it happen, but there’s still a lot to be done.

The Quran states: "Surely with all hardships there is ease" 94:6. We know that "there is no disease that Allah has created, except that he also has created its cure". As Muslims we have a duty to preserve life and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent illness and loss of life from Covid-19.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Dr Uzma Haque urges fellow Muslims to take the coronavirus vaccine when offered itDr Uzma Haque urges fellow Muslims to take the coronavirus vaccine when offered it (Image: CCG)

A lot of hard work has gone into bringing the vaccine to our local communities to protect our most vulnerable. We must stand together and not allow this progress to halt during Ramadan, so it’s vital you have a vaccine when it’s offered.

Reassurance has come from the British Islamic Medical Association who confirm that having the vaccine doesn’t invalidate the fast. The vaccine doesn’t contain pork or other animal or foetal products - this reflects the opinion of the majority of Islamic scholars that it is permissible.

Please continue to take any prescribed medicines during Ramadan and check with your GP if the doses need to be adjusted or the times you take them changed. Finally, Allah will guide us all through this for He knows best.

Jazak Allah.