Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will undergo verification to confirm its efficacy

Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will undergo verification to confirm its efficacy

In the vast landscape of Russia, a diverse array of Muslim organizations wield varying degrees of influence, each navigating the complexities of faith and modernity in their unique ways. One such organization, the Council of Theologians of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (DUM) of Russia, has taken a proactive stance in ensuring the wellbeing of its followers, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the DUM requested information about the composition of the Sputnik V vaccine from the Gamaleya Center. This request stems from the concern for the faithful, as the certification of vaccines as halal is a crucial matter for many Muslim communities.

The Sputnik V vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya Center, is an adenovirus-based vaccine using two different adenoviral vectors (Ad26 and Ad5). These vectors carry the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene, and the vaccine is produced using the HEK293 cell line and purified using tangential flow filtration methods.

However, the use of HEK293 cells, derived from human embryonic kidney cells, has been a point of consideration from an Islamic perspective. While the vaccine production does not involve actual fetal cells, the continuous cell line has been examined by Islamic scholars to determine its permissibility.

As of mid-2025, no official or widely publicized formal theological ruling by major Islamic jurisprudence councils has explicitly addressed the permissibility of Sputnik V based solely on the disclosed composition. However, the transparency in the vaccine’s ingredients allows for Islamic scholars to perform a fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) evaluation regarding issues such as istihalah (transformation of substances) and whether the vaccine components are considered halal or haram.

In practice, many Islamic authorities worldwide have permitted various COVID-19 vaccines, considering them vital for health and public welfare. The clearer disclosure by Gamaleya regarding the vaccine’s composition supports informed theological assessments and facilitates acceptance where vaccines are otherwise contested due to concerns about ingredients.

Irek Ziganshin, Chairman of the Halal Standard Committee at the DUM of the republic, emphasized that the request is to ensure that vaccines are beneficial for people, including those who practice Islam. Ildar Alyautdinov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ulema and Chairman of DUM Moscow, has also stated that they receive frequent inquiries about the permissibility or prohibition of COVID-19 vaccines from an Islamic perspective.

The scholars' decisions are recorded but not mandatory, and do not become laws for all. Each situation regarding the permissibility of vaccines must be considered individually by the Council of Ulema of DUM RF. If prohibited Islamic components are found in the preparations, the Council of Ulema of DUM RF will develop a detailed theological conclusion explaining the situations in which vaccination is permitted.

It's important to note that not all medications are "permitted from an Islamic perspective," and recommendations regarding the vaccine may not be decisive when people are genuinely ready to get vaccinated. Speaking about the permissibility of Russian vaccines, Ildar Alyautdinov said, "We can only make a decision after studying their composition and all possible alternatives."

A theological ban on vaccination could be linked to the use of alcohol, pork, gelatin, or eggs in the component or production process, if they are considered non-halal. However, even if a vaccine is found to be non-halal, the Council of Ulema "cannot give definitive recommendations."

The Tatarstan Muftiate has initiated a check on the halal nature of Russian COVID-19 vaccines. Yet, neither the Gamaleya Center nor the scientific center "Vector" of Rospotrebnadzor have commented on whether they plan to disclose the composition of the Sputnik V and EpiVakKorona vaccines for a theological assessment of their permissibility.

In the end, society, including Muslims, faces a choice to vaccinate or not. The journey towards a halal-certified vaccine in Russia continues, with the DUM and other Muslim organizations working diligently to ensure the wellbeing of their followers while navigating the complexities of faith and science.

1. The DUM's focus on ensuring the wellbeing of its followers extends to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically requesting information about the composition of the Sputnik V vaccine from the Gamaleya Center.
2. The Sputnik V vaccine, despite using HEK293 cells derived from human embryonic kidney cells, has not received an explicit theological ruling on permissibility from major Islamic jurisprudence councils.3.The use of HEK293 cells has been a topic of consideration from an Islamic perspective, with Islamic scholars performing a fiqh evaluation to determine its permissibility.
3. Islamic scholars are evaluating the Sputnik V vaccine's components, such as istihalah (transformation of substances) and whether they are considered halal or haram.
4. Many Islamic authorities worldwide have permitted various COVID-19 vaccines, considering them vital for health and public welfare.
5. The Tatarstan Muftiate has initiated a check on the halal nature of Russian COVID-19 vaccines, including Sputnik V, but neither Gamaleya Center nor scientific center "Vector" have disclosed their compositions for a theological assessment.
6. The scholars' decisions are record but not mandatory, and do not become laws for all, as each situation regarding the permissibility of vaccines must be considered individually by the Council of Ulema of DUM RF.
7. A theological ban on vaccination could be linked to the use of alcohol, pork, gelatin, or eggs in the component or production process, if they are considered non-halal.
8. The journey towards a halal-certified vaccine in Russia continues, with the DUM and other Muslim organizations working diligently to ensure the wellbeing of their followers while navigating the complexities of faith and science.
9. Society, including Muslims, faces a choice to vaccinate or not, as a clear theological understanding of vaccine components may facilitate informed decisions regarding health and wellness.

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