In the name of Allah the Merciful the Merciful. In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Merciful.

The use of substances classified as illegal/haram as medicine was a topic that was also raised during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, we have several narrations/hadith that address the subject.

In Sunan Abu Dawud we find a hadith in which our master Abu Hurayra narrates that the Prophet Muhammad forbade the use of impure medicine. (Hadith no. 3866)

We also have a hadith where the Prophet Muhammad was asked about drinking wine, and he forbade it. He was asked again, and he forbade it again. It was said; «But O Messenger of God, it is medicine!» The Prophet replied; «No, it is rather a disease.» (Hadith 3869)

It has also been reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “Verily, Allah, the Almighty, has not placed a cure in the unlawful.” Peace and blessings be upon him and his companions. (Sahih ibn Hibban).

In Islamic theology, Allah is Almighty. Everything is under His control. Cause (medicine) and effect (health) are connected because of Allah’s will, not because the causes have power in themselves, or can produce consequences independent of His will. In light of this and the narration in Sahih ibn Hibban, using illegal medicine would therefore be an irrational and sinful act.

But there are also hadiths that allow for what is usually forbidden to be used for medical purposes. For example, we find evidence that both Zubayr and Abd al-Rahman (may Allah be pleased with them both) were permitted to wear silk clothing as a cure for their problem of irritated skin. (Men are not usually allowed to wear silk.)

Imam al-Haskafi summarizes the position of the Hanafi school as follows:

«The apparent view of the Hanafi school is that [this type of medicine] is not permissible. But if the medicine is known to be effective and beneficial, and there are no other lawful alternatives, then taking the medicine is permissible.» (Radd al Muhtar ala al Durr 1/210). In some extreme cases, it may also be obligatory. The example given by the Imam here is of a person who drinks alcoholic beverages to avoid dying of dehydration.

In answer to your question, the following can be said: Yes, you can use medicine containing gelatin made from pigs as long as the following conditions are met:

1. The situation is assessed as critical.
2. It has been largely proven that the medication has the desired effect.
3. A sincere Muslim doctor recommends the medicine, and confirms that points 1 and 2 are met.

If these three conditions are met, the medication will no longer be illegal for you. We recommend that you explain the problem to your doctor and discuss the matter with him/her. If you cannot find any alternative treatment and the above conditions are met, there is no problem in taking the medication.

Muhammad Juned
Approved by Imam Najeeb ur Rehman Naz

Source: sunnipath.com