Is Metal Impure Due to the Use of Gelatin?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I found articles mentioning that gelatin is used in processing many metals and metal surfaces. Does this mean that all metal is najis (impure)?

Does this imply we cannot use metal in our day-to-day lives? I also learned that gelatin is found in items like toilet rolls and batteries.

What can we do to avoid being najis?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

You should not be overly concerned about items containing gelatin.

Contemporary scholars differ on the ruling regarding gelatin. Some consider it pure, and based on this view, you do not need to worry about the items you mentioned. [Rada al-Haq, Fatawa Darul ‘Ulum Zakariyya]

Furthermore, one should avoid overthinking these matters, as many items undergo chemical transformation (tabdil al-mahiyya). Necessity also plays a role in widespread public concerns (umum al-balwa). The foundational principle to adhere to is:

“Everything is pure until proven otherwise.” [Ibn Nujaym, al-Ashbah wa al-Nadha’ir]

I encourage you to review the valuable answers and resources linked below for further guidance, in sha’ Allah.

• Do I Have To Wash My Mouth After Taking Gelatin Capsules? – SeekersGuidance
• Do I Have to Investigate Objects That Have Been Glued with Gelatin-based Glue? – SeekersGuidance
• Why Does the Practice of Islam Feel So Burdensome? – SeekersGuidance
• Fatwa-on-Gelatine.pdf (mjchalaaltrust.co.za)

Why not start your journey of knowledge by enrolling in a course on SeekersGuidance? You can explore the Youth Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.