Resolution No.(128),(6/2009): “Gelatin Extracted from Pork Bone or Skin, or from Impure Substances is Impure”

Date:1/8/1430 AH, corresponding to 23/7/2009 AD.

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

During its third session held on the above given date, the Board reviewed the letter of His Excellency the Director General of the Food and Drugs Administration, which reads as follows:

Could your Grace clarify the ruling of Sharia as regards the use of some products that contain vitamins which are manufactured from raw materials that contain gelatin extracted from pork. The gelatin is used for coating these vitamin in order to preserve their consistency when mixed with the rest of the ingredients of these products. It should be taken into consideration that these products are used as supplements, not medication.

After thorough studying and deliberating, the Board decided what follows:

Gelatin extracted from pork`s bone or skin, or from impure substances is impure. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): “Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.” {Al-Maida'/3}. He also Says (what means): “Say: "I find not in the message received by me by inspiration any (meat) forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine,- for it is an abomination - or, what is impious, (meat) on which a name has been invoked, other than God’s." {Al-An`am/145}.

Accordingly, it is impermissible to use the gelatin manufactured from the extracts  of pork or impure animals for manufacturing medications or food  supplements, or for coating them, because alternative extracts could be taken from animals that are permissible to eat according to Sharia, such as cows, fish, or gelatin extracted from vegetables. However, it is permissible to take medications that contain the gelatin extracted from pork or impure substances in case of dire necessity, or in case there is no other  lawful alternative. And Allah Knows Best.

Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Grand Mufti of Jordan,Dr. Nooh al-Qhodat

Vice Chairman of the Iftaa` Board,Dr. Ahmad Hilayel

Sheikh Abdulkareem al-Khasawneh/ Member

 Sheikh Sa`eid Hijjawi/ Member

               Dr. Mohammad Khair al-Eesa/ Member

Judge Sari al-Ass`ad/ Member

      Dr. Abdurahamn Ibbdah/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Okla/ Member

        Dr. Abdunnasir Abulbasal/ Member

              Executive Secretary of the Board/ Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh