Use of Yeast and Gelatine Taken from Swine
The Qur’an and the Sunnah, as well as the unanimity of Muslim scholars, make clear that the flesh of swine is forbidden to eat. And it is also not permissible to use extracts from what is forbidden like gelatin or yeast.
Use of Yeast and Gelatine Taken from Swine
Similar Questions
· Extractions from swine.
· Food containing forbidden ingredients.
The Issue
Is it permissible for a Muslim to use yeast and gelatine that contain a small percentage of ingredients extracted from pigs in making some sweets, food and medicines?
Ruling
It is not permissible for a Muslim to use yeast and gelatine extracted from pigs in the preparation of food. Substitutes are available from vegetarian sources and animals slaughtered in the proper Islamic way. This is stated in Decision No. 23 (11/3) of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, the fatwa issued by the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa (vol. 22, pp. 117–118 and 265) and Decision No. 3/15 of the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League. The Decision states: ‘Gelatine is a substance used in preparation of sweets and some medicines.
It is extracted from animal skin and bones. Therefore, the Assembly determines:
1) It is permissible to use gelatine extracted from lawful sources and animals lawful to eat and slaughtered in the Islamic way. It is not permissible to extract it from what is forbidden, such as the hide and bones of pigs and other unlawful animals and substances.
2) The Assembly urges Muslim countries and companies working in Muslim countries to refrain from importing anything that is forbidden in Islam and to make available to Muslims only what is lawful and wholesome.
Evidence
The Qur’an and the Sunnah, as well as the unanimity of Muslim scholars, make clear that the flesh of swine is forbidden to eat.
God says
Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, the flesh of swine.
5: 3
The prohibition applies to what is totally or partially taken from the flesh of swine and scholars unanimously agree that the same ruling applies to lard and pig fat.
Sources
· Decisions by the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League.
· Decisions by the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.
· Fatawa by The Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa.
· Mut’ib al-Qahtani (ed.), Is[af al-Mughtaribin bi Fatawa al-[Ulama’ al-Rabbaniyyin.