I heard that we are allowed to take beef gelatine capsules. Is this correct?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
If the capsule is made from non-halal beef gelatine, taking such a capsule will not be permissible in normal circumstances according to the majority of the contemporary scholars. It will only be permissible to take such a capsule with the following three conditions: 1) there are no alternatives available; 2) it is reasonably known that the medicine will be effective; 3) an upright, god-fearing and expert Muslim doctor has advised the use of the capsule.
(Raddul Muhtaar: 1/210 Saeed)
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faizal Riza
25/9/2011