Q: My mother spoke with you recently about getting a letter from you so I may be exempt from getting the flu shot, How may I go about getting such a letter? Thank you.

Answer:

To Whom It May Concern:

We understand that a student at your University is being requested to take a flu shot. Her objections to taking this shot are based on Islamic prohibitions against ingesting certain items. These prohibitions include the avoidance of animal derived substances which are extracted in a non-halal manner. This limitation extends beyond food to medications, and the student in question has knowledge that the shot in question does contain such Islamically prohibited substances. As such, if you would exempt her from taking this required shot, it would be greatly appreciated.

Should you have further questions, please do feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Muhammed S. Mehtar (imaam)