Is It Permissible to Consume Chocolate Containing Shortening and Lactose?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is it permissible to consume chocolate containing shortening and lactose if their sources (plant or animal) are unclear?
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.
Shortening
Shortening is permissible and halal if derived from plants, particularly if it is labeled suitable for vegetarians. It becomes impermissible if it is sourced from animals. And doubtful (mashbuh) if it’s unknown, and it is best to refrain if it is not certified.
Leave that Which Makes You Doubt
Hasan Ibn Ali reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind, and falsehood sows doubt.”
[Tirmidhi]
Lactose
Lactose is permissible. It is a type of sugar that consists of one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule. It occurs naturally in milk; for example, cow’s milk contains about 4.7% lactose.
Below is a link to Haram ingredients in your country, Japan.
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Related
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.