Is it permissible to use capsule medications made with gelatin?
- My hair is falling out a lot and the top of my head is starting to go bald. Would it be appropriate for me to use this medication?
Dear Brother / Sister,
The additive called gelatin is obtained from pigs and cattle. Since gelatin obtained from cattle is halal, there is no harm in adding it to products.
Since pork is considered impure in Islam, if gelatin derived from pork is used in products, those products are not permissible to consume. However, if gelatin derived from beef is used in the products, there is no objection to using them. However, if gelatin derived from pork is used, then the consumption of those foods and beverages is not permissible.
When gelatin is obtained from animals whose meat is permissible to eat (halal), it can definitely be used without any objection. However, if it is obtained from substances that are not permissible to eat, the decree changes depending on whether or not the substance has undergone a complete chemical transformation.
If gelatin truly loses its original nature, taste, color, smell, and other properties completely during the processing it undergoes, its use may be permissible. However, if it does not completely lose those properties, it is not permissible to eat anything in which it has been used.
Currently, there are differing opinions among experts on the issue. A large majority of experts believe that gelatin, after undergoing chemical treatment, exhibits properties entirely different from its original component, “collagen”. However, some experts argue that this property does not change entirely.
Taking these facts into account, the most reasonable solution is always to avoid anything that is questionable. Therefore, gelatin derived from pigs must not be used. However, if it is derived from cattle, there is no objection to using it.
It is necessary to have a good understanding of the composition of medications containing substances derived from pigs or other haram things. If there is a transformation (chemical reaction), the impurity will be removed and hence its use will not be haram. If there is no transformation, its use is haram unless there is a necessity, or unless a trustworthy expert states that it is the only definitive remedy and there is no alternative.
Questions on Islam
- Is any kind of gelatin haram for muslim?
- Are E additives that exist in some food items haram? Can we consume that safely?
- Is the vaccine that includes porcine gelatin permissible?
- Is it permissible to use medication that includes alcohol and pig products? If it is valid, for what cases can they be used?
- If tools like knives and gloves used while cutting pork are used to cut other meat, is it haram to eat the other meat?
- Why pork is not allowed to be consumed in Islam?
- Why has pork been rendered haram in the religion of Islam?
- What is the criterion of permissibility for a food to be aten in Islam?
- Is it permissible to use the products/food items that include gelatin as an additive? Is it halal when it is not definitely known that it is haram?
- During the period of which Prophet was pork rendered haram?
