Date : 04-09-2024

Question :

What is the ruling of Islamic Law/Sharia on using cow`s blood in manufacturing medical products?


 

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


 


From an Islamic perspective, blood is considered impure (Najis). The proof of this is that Almighty Allah Says (What means): "Say: "I find not in the message received by me by inspiration any (meat) forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine,- for it is an abomination - or, what is impious, (meat) on which a name has been invoked, other than God’." But (even so), if a person is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- thy Lord is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." [Al-An`am/145].


According to scholarly consensus, blood is impure. This is confirmed by the statement of Sheikh Al-Islam Imam Nawawi: "Blood is impure, and this is the consensus of the Muslim scholars." [Sharih Muslim, vol. 3/ pp. 200].


The Shafi'i scholars have permitted using impure substances, such as blood, urine, and the flesh of dead animals, for medical purposes if no pure alternative that can achieve the same therapeutic effect is available. Imam Al-Sharwani stated: "As for the Prophet's command to the 'Araniyyun to drink camel urine, it was for medicinal purposes, and treating with impure substances is permissible when no pure alternative is available to serve the same medicinal purpose." [Hashiyat Al-Sharwani Ala Al-Tuhfa, vol. 1/pp. 296].


The resolution of the Jordanian Fatwa Council No.(128)-(6/2009) addressed the ruling on using gelatin derived from pig bones or skin or from impure materials. The summary of this ruling is as follows: "Gelatin made from pig derivatives or impure animals should not be used in the production of medicines, dietary supplements, or coatings, as there are permissible alternatives from other animals that are lawful to eat, such as cattle or fish, or from plant-based gelatin. Likewise, it is not permissible to use medicines containing gelatin derived from pigs or impure materials except in cases of necessity, and only if no other alternative is available."


In conclusion, medical materials and products that contain any amount of blood are considered impure and their use is forbidden except in the absence of other permissible and effective medicines. In such cases, their use is allowed out of necessity. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.