Rennet in medicines: additional Islamic information
| Hanafi | Maliki | Shafiʿi | Hanbali | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majority view of rennet derived from animals that are not Islamically slaughtered e.g. goats, lambs, calves (bovine) | ✅ Rennet from dead animals is considered legally pure (tahir) and halal to consume according to most, even if the animal was not Islamically slaughtered (permissive view). Reasoning: Rennet is an enzyme and remains unaffected by the animal’s death. Classical scholar al-Jaṣṣāṣ stated that milk and rennet remain legally pure (tahir) after an animal’s death. | ✅ Rennet from dead animals is considered legally pure (tahir) and halal to consume (generally permissive view). Reasoning: Rennet is extracted from the stomach lining, which is not directly affected by the death of the animal. It is not considered contaminated unless mixed with impurities. | ❌ Rennet from dead animals is considered legally impure (najis) and haram (strict view). Reasoning: The general rule is that dead animals are legally impure (najis), and rennet comes into direct contact with the impure stomach. | ❌ Rennet from dead animals is considered legally impure (najis) and harām (strict view). Reasoning: All parts of a dead animal are considered legally impure (najis) under general Islamic law. Rejects the argument that rennet is isolated from the carcass’s impurities. |
There is a difference of opinions when rennet is derived from animals not Islamically slaughtered e.g. goats, lambs, calves (bovine).
Among Hanafis Abu Yusuf & Muhammad: Liquid rennet may become legally impure (najis) if it comes into contact with the impure stomach lining. However, solid rennet remains legally pure (tahir) and halal to consume.
Minority view among Malikis: If contamination occurs, washing cannot purify it. 1
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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
- Ruling on rennet according to the four sunni schools of thought by Shaykh Dr Rafaqat Rashid ↩︎
