Haram product’s in medicine

 

have recently discovered that the insulin used by sugar diabetics to maintain their sugar level is obtained from the pancreas of a pig. Would this be acceptable (i.e. to use this insulin) under Islamic law, considering the fact that the sugar diabetic needs the insulin to maintain his sugar level, and may be to survive and prevent him from being under any pain. Also considering the fact that no other source of insulin is available (as far as I know)? Please can you provide me with any proof from Qur’aan and Hadeeth.

It is stated in the Holy Qur’aan: “He has forbidden you, only the “Maytah” (dead animals), blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than Allah Ta’ala (or has been slaughtered for idols etc.). But if one is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly Allah Ta’ala is Oft– Forgiving and Most Merciful.” (2:173) From this verse we can take out this point that to use forbidden products for medical purposes in exceptional circumstances is permissible.

Only under the following conditions can the medicine be permissible:

1. In a critical state where life is in danger.

2. There is no other Halaal medicine available.

3. If the Haraam medicine used is effective as a cure for that particular illness or disease.

4. There is no carnal desire in the usage of the Haraam product other than the cure.

5. Only the amount needed should be used. (Not to exceed the limits).

If these conditions are met then in a critical condition, Haraam products can be used for medical purposes.

But in this day and age, because the usage of Haraam medicine are ample found, the Fuqahaa (Muslim Jurist) have given permission to use them in usual condition of illness when no other Halaal medicines are available. (Ma’aariful Qur’aan page 42 6,427 Vol 1) It is stated in Durrul Mukhtar: Fuqahaa have differed in the matter regarding curing with Haraam products. The clearer verdict is Haraam. But the present Ulama have given permission if it is discovered that the Haraam product is the only cure, and no other medicine is known. From the mentioned details, the answer to your question becomes clear to use insulin will be permissible considering the fact no other medicine is available.

Mufti Shafee Sahib (R.A) writes: All European medicines which have mixture of wine, alcohol or Haraam products will be permissible to use if no other Halaal medicine is found to replace it. Those medicines, which have no doubt of Haraam or impure substances, will have more credit. But to abstain totally will be best especially if no serious condition arises.

Ref. Al – Mu’min Volume 1 Issue 1 Q&A