Question:Gelatin extracts are used in many foods for flavoring, coloring, or treatment, as in pharmaceutical products. They are of two types: Animal gelatin, extracted from bones and Plant gelatin, extracted from certain plants. Sometimes the source is unknown; the label only states that the product contains “processed gelatin,” without clarifying whether it comes from an animal that is lawful to eat or unlawful, or whether the lawful animal was properly slaughtered according to Islamic law. It is also unclear whether “processed” means a chemical transformation, customary processing, or that it is purely plant-based. What is the ruling for a Muslim regarding such food products—especially when finding an alternative is difficult, such as in medical treatment due to cost or the required dosage, assuming a gelatin-free option is not available?

Answer:In the name of Allah, when it comes to medical treatment, if the medicine is restricted to this option, it is permissible regardless of the type or source of gelatin. As for food consumption by choice, if the gelatin is animal-based, it is not permissible unless it is confirmed that it comes from a lawful animal that was slaughtered according to Islamic law. If it is plant-based, then it is permissible without restriction. When the source is unknown whether animal or plant it is obligatory to avoid it. Allah knows best.

Question:Is it permissible for students of medical colleges or forensic institutes—such as those who diagnose crimes—to practice training by dissecting the bodies brought to university teaching halls, in addition to looking at or touching them? It is worth noting that without such practice, students often cannot pass their academic stage, causing Muslims to lose their positions and presence in medical and similar fields.

Answer:In the name of Allah, if education, learning, and instruction depend on such procedures, then it is permissible after paying the blood money (diya) to the legitimate religious authority, because the diya for injuring a deceased Muslim belongs to the Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and not to the heirs, if the deceased was Muslim. As for the non-Muslim deceased, it is permissible without restriction. It is obligatory to perform the ritual washing for touching a corpse (ghusl mass al-mayyit) if the touch occurs without a barrier such as gloves and the deceased had not yet been washed. Allah knows best.

Question:Some medications used for nourishing cartilage and treating joint and bone inflammation and pain are manufactured using extracts from shark cartilage, combined with a group of acids, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for the elderly and athletes. What is the ruling on using and consuming these medications?

Answer:In the name of Allah, if treatment is limited to these medications, then their use is permissible. Allah knows best.

Question:Is it permissible for a male who exhibits feminine physical traits, voice, and inclinations to change his male genital organ into a female one?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is not permissible; such an act is a crime. The ruling does not change even if it is done; the individual remains subject to the rulings of a male only. The Guide is Allah, and Allah knows best.

Question:What is the ruling on certain medications that contain a very small amount of alcohol, specifically ethanol, which is used as a stabilizing agent?

Answer:In the name of Allah, if the treatment is limited to this specific medication, then it is permissible to use it to the extent of necessity. But if there are alternatives, it is not permissible. Allah knows best.

Question:Is it permissible to undergo a gender change operation from male to female in the following cases: 1.By choice? 2.Out of necessity, if the (male) has no inclination toward women at all and is inclined toward men?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is not permissible to undergo such operations. Whoever does so remains subject to the same rulings as before the operation. Allah is the Guide and He knows best.

Question:Some physical therapy students learn massage therapy, which involves touching the body of a foreign woman. The university where he studies does not consider the religious aspect, so if he refuses, it may lead to his failure in the exam, causing harm to him. Is it permissible for him to do this work?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is permissible to the extent of necessity while adhering to the conditions mentioned. Allah knows best.

Question:What is the ruling of looking at a woman's private parts during childbirth by a male or female doctor or medical team during training?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is permissible in light of the preceding observations. Allah knows best.

Question:In medical colleges, it is necessary for the student to examine foreign women and men, and the examination may include the area of the private parts. This is unavoidable for medical students during their general studies. Is it permissible for them to practice this, and is the ruling applied to the doctor as it is to the medical student?

Answer:In the name of Allah, if learning depends on that, it is permissible. It is necessary to avoid unnecessary touching and viewing, as mentioned earlier. Allah is the Guide and the Knower.

Question:What is the ruling of a female student entering a medical college while preserving her hijab and wearing the niqab, knowing that there is mixing in practical application?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is permissible to do so to the extent of necessity. Allah knows best.