Porcine and bovine-derived ingredients: Islamic rules in halal pharmaceutical products

• Main Authors: Wan Ismail, Wan Nur Ezzah Syahirah, Mahamad Maifiah, Mohd Hafidz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: USIM Press 2023
• Subjects: BPH111.4 Halal issues. Fatawa; BPH117.3 Halal Pharmaceutical; BPH121 Animal products. Halal issues; HD9016.5 Halal Science
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/107617/1/107617_Porcine%20and%20bovine-derived%20ingredients.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/107617/; https://jfatwa.usim.edu.my/index.php/jfatwa/article/view/549
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

For Muslims, ingesting or utilising any products derived from porcine is forbidden as it is considered unclean. Besides, although bovine is halal to be consumed, this ruling is only applicable if it is slaughtered strictly according to Islamic law (Shari’ah). Given Islam’s imposing certain restrictions on the consumption of porcine- and bovine-based products, for Muslims who are seeking medication, this could limit their therapeutic options as many pharmaceutical products are sourced from both animals. This will eventually make it difficult for them to get treatment and will endanger their lives. Hence, every Muslim must have knowledge and understanding of the views of Islamic jurists (Fuqaha’) regarding the Islamic rules on pharmaceutical products containing porcine- and bovine-derived ingredients. In this article, a clear narration regarding porcine and bovine-derived pharmaceutical products, accompanied by a review of Islamic rules based on Islamic jurists, is presented.