Ramadan is fast approaching, and my family and I are busy preparing for the holy month, which will sadly be very different again thanks to Covid-19 and the importance of following guidance on social distancing.

However you celebrate this year, I wish Assalamualaikum and Ramadan Mubarak to my fellow Muslims.

Our preparations this year must include steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the most vulnerable in our communities from Covid-19. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect against illness and loss of life, and halt the terrible toll this virus is still taking.

As Muslims, we have a duty to preserve life and we must not let all the hard work and progress to bring the vaccine to our local communities be halted during Ramadan. It’s vital you have a vaccine – first or second dose – when you are offered it.

Newham Recorder: Dr Muhammad Navqi, Newham CCG says Ramadan must not stop the vaccine being brought to local communitiesDr Muhammad Navqi, Newham CCG says Ramadan must not stop the vaccine being brought to local communities (Image: © Adam Scott 2019. For consideration only, no reproduction without written permission.)

I know some people are concerned about having the vaccine during the holy month and that is why the British Islamic Medical Association has reviewed the fiqh opinions and confirmed that having the vaccine doesn’t invalidate the fast.

I also want to reassure you that the vaccine is permissible as it doesn’t contain pork, other animal, foetal or alcohol products – this reflects the advice of the majority of Islamic scholars. If you do still have concerns about whether you can have the vaccine during Ramadan, please speak to your local Imam for guidance.

If you take any prescribed medicines, you should continue to take them during Ramadan and prepare ahead by checking with your GP if the doses need to be adjusted or the times you take them changed.

If you have diabetes and want to fast, please speak to your GP or diabetes nurse about the safest way to do this. Remember that there is an exemption for people with diabetes, especially if you’re on insulin or have any medical complications.

Finally, I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already had their vaccine, everyone who plans to have it and all those involved in delivering it.