Questions about Religion in Western Countries and the Ruling on Gelatin

Question

In this Q&A, we address concerns regarding the consumption of food in Western restaurants and the permissibility of gelatin. [AR_ID:2596]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

1) It is not necessary to ask about a person's religion when in doubt; the principle of purity applies to them and what they handle with their hands when wet.

2-3) The permissibility of gelatin depends on the materials used in its preparation. If the gelatin is plant-based, it is halal. If it is animal-based, and it comes from parts of an animal whose meat is forbidden or from the skin of an animal that is permissible to eat but was not slaughtered according to Islamic law, it is haram. However, if it is derived from the bones of an animal that is permissible to eat and was slaughtered according to Islamic law, it is halal. If the bones were not slaughtered according to Islamic law but were purified, it is also halal. In any case, if it is unknown whether the gelatin is halal or haram, there is no issue in consuming it.

Source: Official Website + Fiqh of the Guardian: Impurities.

---

Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):

1) You can assume the purity of anyone you meet and shake hands with, even if there is moisture, as long as you do not know their beliefs or religion; they could be Muslim or from the People of the Book. You are not required to ask them to confirm their religion or beliefs, even if asking would not bother you or them.

2-3) As for gelatin, it is permissible to consume it if there is doubt about whether it is derived from animals or plants. However, if it is known to be derived from animals, it is not permissible to consume it unless it is confirmed that the animal was slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law, even if it is derived from its bones, as a precaution. If it is known that a transformation has occurred in its original materials during the chemical manufacturing process, it is permissible to consume it in general, although this is not definitively established.

Source: Fiqh for Expatriates: Ruling on the Purity of Every Person Whose Religion is Unknown + Official Website.

May you be successful in all good.