Question
I wanted to check with you about istihaalah, and if for the hanafis things like gel caps in medicine that have undergone manufacturing. Is it permissible to use for the hanafis?
Answered by: Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah the Inspirer of truth
Regarding the gel caps which are mostly made of gelatin, there is still a hesitation among the scholars that I know have been asked. The answer is always that if a full molecular change takes place then that product would be considered lawful. However, a direct ruling is normally avoided. Also in terms of the medicine there is normally always an alternative available in the form of caplets. However, there is also controversy regarding the source of the magnesium stearate used in them or the stearic acid.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam
Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf