ISLAMIC SCHOLARS’ PERCEPTION OF COVID-19 AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS ITS VACCINATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria and other parts of the world
constitutes a serious health challenge hampering development of almost all
spheres of lives. To rescue the situation, many steps have been taken globally
and communally to contain the pandemic. A significant aspect of the steps
towards containing the pandemic is the introduction of vaccines against the
deadly disease. However, the issue of vaccination against the pandemic has
generated series of mixed reactions and attitudes. This study was however
carried out to investigate Islamic scholars’ perception and attitudes towards
Covid-19 and its vaccination in Nigeria. The study was a descriptive one. The
stratified random sampling technique was employed to select the participants
based on creedal affiliations across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. A
researchers’ designed questionnaire was employed. T-test and ANOVA
statistical tools were used to analyse the data collected at alpha level of 0.05 level
of significant. The findings showed that most of the respondents agreed that
Covid-19 is Islamically categorised under Rijz, Ta'un, and Waba’. The restriction
of movement, hand washing, using of nose/face mask, social distancing etc. and
other measures to curtain the spread of COVID-19 are in tandem with the
teachings of Islam. In addition, most Islamic scholars disposed negatively to the
vaccination against COVID-19 due to ambiguity surrounding the vaccine. It was
recommended that government needs to constitute health professionals to carry
out more researches on the content and safety of the vaccines, publish the
outcomes and sensitise masses on the need to get vaccinated. Islamic scholars
should organise workshops and revisit the issue of permissibility of Covid-19
vaccines form the point of Islam. Government should provide convincing clues
about vaccination. If found safe and halal, Islamic scholars should change their
mind set and attitudes towards vaccination and endeavor to encourage their
subjects.