To What Extend Do I Need to Check the Purity of Ingredients?


Shafi'i Fiqh

Answered by Shaykh Farid Dingle

Question

If an ingredient is frequently but not always sourced from an impure substance, it is permissible to use? Do we have to find out whether or not it is indeed pure?

Answer

If an ingredient is frequently but not always sourced from an impure substance, it is assumed to be pure. [Millibari, Fath al-Mu‘in; Nawawi, Rawdat al-Talibin] In view of that, there is no obligation to check or wash anything that has come into contact with it.

It would of course be better to check with the company, without going to any extremes. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace said, “Leave that which gives you doubt for that which does not give you doubt.” [Tirmidhi]

If the company doesn’t reply, just assume it is pure and move on.

I pray this helps.

[Shaykh] Farid Dingle
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani 

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language