I have a chest infection and went to doctors on Friday who gave me amoxcillin capsules which unfortunatIey have gelatin in the shell I said to him don't give me capsules but he still did got them from chemist they told me they might not work the same if I take them out from the capsules but I did but they were right my infection got worse to my ribs started to hurt now I started to take the capsules is this ok
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
The majority of the scholars agree that if a person is suffering from a severe illness and he has the financial ability to pay for the treatment, then to treat himself through medicines or other sources becomes wajib upon him. However, if the illness is not serious and he does not have the financial ability, then to treat himself does not become wajib. It only becomes mustahub. (Nizamul Fatawa P.350 V.1)
Wherever possible the cure should be done with paak and halal medicine. However, sometimes in necessity, the only alternative for a certain illness is through a particular medicine, which have impure and unlawful substances.
There are two possible strands:
- To use it without necessity
- To use it in necessity.
Regarding the first possible strand, the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said that Allah (SWA) has placed no cure for the Muslims in haraam. (Mishkaatul Masaabeeh P.388 V.2)
In another hadith it is stated that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has prohibited us from impure and filthy medicines. (Mishkaatul Masaabeeh P388 V.2)
However, later day jurists, keeping in mind the modern day impure medicines and the weakness of people against it have given permission in the usage of haraam medicine on the condition that another lawful and pure medicine is not effective or is not available. (Maariful Quran P.437 V.1)
The second possible situation is to use it in necessity. A person whose life is in danger can use such medicines, which are forbidden on him to save his life on the following conditions:
- There is extreme necessity that one’s life is in danger.
- Another lawful medicine does not work, or is not available.
- It should be certain that the disease would be cured through the medicine.
- A person should not enjoy the medicine.
- Only the amount, which is necessary, should be used.
(Maariful Quran- Ibid)
In the aforementioned situation as your illness worsened it was permissible for you take the gelatine capsules.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
