Question
Are products containing L-Cystene halaal? The primary source of this chemical substance used to be human hair. However, nowadays the bulk of L-Cystene is acquired from feathers. A Mufti says that as long as the ingredient is not from pigs or humans the products are halaal because the hair and feathers of all animals besides pigs are taahir (pure/ clean).
Answer
What need did this Mufti Sahib discern in extracting a far-fetched interpretation to halaalize the harmful junk processed 'food' products of the kuffaar? It appears that the function of Ifta is not being understood. Further-
more, when human hair is still used widely, how can a genuine Mufti even venture to proclaim these products halaal? Just what need is there for this nonsensical 'fatwa'?
If a wolf or a lion or a donkey is Islamically slaughtered with Tasmiah as well, then despite the meat being taahir, it remains haraam to consume. The same applies to many taahir things. Sand is taahir, glass is taahir, paper is taahir, but eating these substances is not permissible. Crabs, prawns, ants, insects, etc. are taahir, but consuming them is haraam.
It is not permissible to eat feathers despite their tahaarat. Products with L-Cystene are not permissible. good book for a layman?
A. Fataawa Rahimiyyah is a good kitaab. There are a couple of issues which are incorrect. However, on the whole it is an excellent kitaab. The view on Jumuah Salaat in prison, the ruling on shrimps/ prawns, and the view on copyright stated in this kitaab are incorrect.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 23 No 05
- PDF page
- 2
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).