What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding childhood polio vaccination? And what is the ruling for those who refuse to vaccinate their children, claiming that illness is decreed by Allah Almighty and does not require treatment, and that healing is from Allah Almighty?

Although healing comes from Allah Almighty, it is recommended to seek treatment. Usama ibn Sharik narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Seek treatment, O servants of Allah, for Allah has not sent down a disease except that He has also sent down its cure, except for death and old age” (recorded by Ahmad).

If the governing authority mandates preventive healthcare measures, such as childhood polio vaccines and the like, it is obligatory upon every person to comply. This is because the governing authority has the power to restrict the permissible and to render recommended measures obligatory in the interest of public welfare. It is therefore impermissible to object on the basis that healing rests with Allah Almighty alone and that treatment is merely recommended.

And Allah Almighty knows best.