Chinese hamster ovary cells in medicines: additional Islamic information
| Source | Hanafi | Maliki | Shafiʿi | Hanbali |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHO cells | ❌Haram to consume | |||
The majority of Islamic scholars generally agree that vaccines produced using cell lines from haram animals are impermissible in Islam. The ruling is based on the principle that anything derived from a haram source remains haram or, any material from a legally impure (najis) source remains legally impure (najis), unless a complete and accepted transformation (istihala) occurs.
Istihala is the complete chemical transformation of a legally impure (najis) substance into a completely new substance that is considered legally pure (tahir). In this case, istihala does not take place. Even though the CHO cells (rodents) are filtered and removed in later stages of the medicine production process, cell culture methods in vaccine production do not alter the essential properties of the CHO cells (i.e. transformation (istihala) does not occur) and they remain legally impure (najis) and impermissible. There has still been cross-contamination with the legally impure (najis) source regardless of filtration. 1
What is istihala (transformation)?
Istihala is the complete chemical transformation of a legally impure (najis) substance into a completely new substance that is considered legally pure (tahir). The latter substance no longer retains the chemical properties of its former state (i.e. there has been a change of the original substance in form, colour, smell, taste, nature, effect, name, use, properties and is irreversible). The substance can undergo this chemical change through scientific or natural means.2 An example of istihala includes turning wine into vinegar.3
For more detailed information on istihala, you can refer to this e-book.
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⚠️ Important messages for patients
- Always take or use your medicine(s) exactly as directed or prescribed by your healthcare professional (HCP), such as your doctor or pharmacist
- Do not stop, delay, change or alter the way you take or use your medicine(s) without first discussing it with the HCP who prescribed or supplied it to you
- Always consult your HCP if you have any questions or before making any decisions about your treatment
- For Islamic guidance, seek advice from your local Imam or a trusted Islamic scholar – ideally someone with relevant knowledge and expertise in the fiqh (Islamic rulings) of medicines
- Use the information gathered to make an informed decision together with your HCP and, if needed, your local Imam or trusted Islamic scholar
Disclaimer
- This resource is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical, medical, or professional healthcare advice and should not replace individual clinical judgement or qualified religious guidance
- Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional regarding your own medical conditions or for advice on treatment options
- Healthcare professionals remain fully responsible and accountable for decisions made within their own scope of practice.
References and resources
- Islamic use of Hamster Ovary by Shaykh Dr Rafaqat Rashid ↩︎
- Siddiqi, Nasrullah. (2020). Comparative Study of Istihalah Shariah and Chemical Changes. WHS 2020. 89-94. Accessed 27.1.2025 from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354339446_Comparative_Study_of_Istihalah_Shariah_And_Chemical_Changes ↩︎
- Jamaludin, Mohammad & Ramli, Mohd Anuar & Hashim, D.M. & Ab Rahman, Suhaimi. (2012). Fiqh Istihalah: Integration of Science and Islamic Law. Revelation and Science. 2. 49-55. Accessed 27.1.2025 from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2014957/ ↩︎
