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Ruling on Falsifying COVID Vaccination Certificate

Answered as per Shafi'i Fiqh by Darul Iftaa Jordan
 What is the ruling on falsifying a certificate serves as a proof of taking the vaccine against COVID (Coronavirus)?

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.

  In principle, a Muslim is obliged to observe credibility in all of his words and deeds regardless of the surrounding circumstances and to avoid falsehood in all of his actions as well; in this regard, Allah, The Most Exalted, said (What means):" O ye who believe! Fear God and be with those who are true (in word and deed)." [At-Tawbeh/119].

  In terms of maintaining credibility and transparency , providing sound medical tests and certificates in which health status is manifested  .i.e. being vaccinated and getting a certificate against COVID or its PCR test.

  However, seeking for false one serves as a proof clarifying that its holder has taken either the COVID or its PCR test is considered falsehood, cheating and fraud since all of them are prohibited by Allah, as the Prophet (PBUH) said (What means):" Shall I not inform you of the biggest of the great sins?" We said, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger (PBUH)" He said, "To join partners in worship with Allah: to be undutiful to one's parents." The Prophet (PBUH) sat up after he had been reclining and added, "And I warn you against giving forged statement and a false witness; I warn you against giving a forged statement and a false witness." The Prophet kept on saying that warning till we thought that he would not stop. [Related by Al-Bukhary].

  Further, maintaining the act of falsehood in medical matters has a critical impact over society and might be a cause of wasting many efforts exerted in this regard by the specialized parties. 

  Besides, whosoever gave a helping hand in the manufacture of a falsified certificate is a partner in the sin and the degree of prohibition decreases if the certificate or the PCR COVID test were attained in return of a bribe, for Allah, The Exalted, said (What means):" Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah for Allah is strict in punishment." [Al-Maidah/2].

  Therefore, the observance of credibility at the process of providing medical certificates and tests as well as the avoidance of falsehood, cheating and fraud are obligations due on Muslims because this very matter is attached directly to the safety of the entire society. And Allah knows best.   

This answer was collected from the official government Iftaa Department of Jordan.

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