- EN (English)
| Fatwa ID: | 21733 |
| Title: | The use of rennet in food products |
| Category: | Varieties |
| Scholar: | AmjaOnline |
| Date: | 05/13/2008 |
As-salaamu alaikum, respected scholar(s):
I recently found out that certain chocolate candies from the Mars company have been using rennet (an enzyme) taken from the stomach of a calf in their products for a year. My question is whether the requirements of zabiha halal (Islamic slaughtering) extend to enzymes, or are they only for the flesh (meat) of animals? I believe that the animal is already slaughtered when the enzyme is extracted, but perhaps you can confirm this information. An answer would really help, insha'Allah, as this is an issue that extends beyond candy bars to many other snacks and food, both in the eastern and western parts of the world.
Jazak Allah khair. Wa'salaamu alaikum.
All praise be to Allah and may His peace and blessings be on His final and greatest messenger, Muhammad.
Dear Enquirer,
Rennet is an enzyme extracted from the stomach of cattle or sheep and used to make cheese. The Arabic name is infahah.
It has been reported that the Companions ate the cheese made by the Zoroastrians when they entered al-Mada’en. Based on this (amongst other reasons), the Hanafi scholars (may Allah bestow mercy on them) chose that the cheese made by enzymes taken from dead animals is allowable for consumption. This position is one of the two positions within the Hanbali school, and the chosen one by Imam Ibn Taymeah (may Allah bestow mercy on him).
We find it permissible to consume foods that contain this enzyme, whether or not the cow or sheep was slaughtered. Moreover, you do not need to ask about the origin of these enzymes because the Companions did not.
And Allah knows best.