Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah
We have observed that in many restaurants and stores across America, a brand of Styrofoam cups called “Dart” is being used. Especially to serve hot drinks such as tea and coffee. We have also found out that the company which makes this cup, utilizes a special chemical zinc stearate which is extracted from beef or pork tallow/fat. This chemical acts as a releasing agent for the cups from the metallic mold. In the light of the usage of such a chemical, the question is, will it be permissible to drink hot or cold drinks in such cups. A quick answer will be appreciated. JazakAllahu Khaira
Walaikumassalam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu
الجواب وباللہ التوفیق
As per the previously received information from the company, there is a possibility of usage of both permissible and impermissible ingredients, therefore the usage of any such containers will be considered mushtabah (suspicious), and according to the ahadith of Rasulullah Sallallaho Alyhi Wasallam it has been instructed to refrain from things which are mushtabah so that one does not get involved in haram. In addition, we are currently unable to perform further research on whether the impermissible ingredients utilized in the process are still present at the end in an unchanged manner or not, therefore, it is recommended to refrain from using these products.
عن أبي الحوارء السعدي قال قلت للحسن بن علي : ما حفظت من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ؟ قال حفظت من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم دع ما يريبك إلى مالا يريبك
(سنن ترمذی: كتاب صفة القيامة والرقائق والورع عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم،۲۵۱۸)
عن النعمان بن بشير قال سمعته يقول:سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يقول ( وأهوى النعمان بإصبعيه إلى أذنيه )
( إن الحلال بين وإن الحرام بين وبينهما مشتبهات لا يعلمهن كثير من الناس فمن اتقى الشبهات استبرأ لدينه وعرضه ومن وقع في الشبهات وقع في الحرام كالراعي يرعى حول الحمى يوشك أن يرتع فيه۔
(صحیح مسلم:کتاب المساقاۃ،۱۵۹۹)
فقط واللہ اعلم بالصواب