Is Beef Gelatin Halal Or Haram? What You Need To Know

Beef gelatin is a protein supplement sourced from bovine collagen. Beef gelatin is a product made from the skin, bones, and connective tissue of cows. It is used in a variety of products, including food and non-food items such as makeup, medicine, and art supplies.

One question that often comes up with regards to beef gelatin is: is beef gelatin halal? Here we will look at the Islamic perspective on whether beef gelatin is halal or haram.

Is Beef Gelatin Halal?

Yes, beef gelatin is considered halal as long as it is slaughtered in accordance with dhabiha guidelines. This type of gelatin is permissible, and there is nothing wrong with using it or consuming it in food or medicine. However, if the cow was not slaughtered according to the rules of Shariah then the gelatin will be haram.

As for gelatin extracted from animals that have not been slaughtered according to Shariah, Sheikh Abdus-Sattar F. Saeed, Professor of the Exegesis of the Qur’an at Al-Azhar University, states that:

“If the animal is slaughtered by one of the People of the Scripture, or if the butcher is unknown, then the meat is Halal and the gelatin is Halal too. However, if the animal is slaughtered by means of electric shock, suffocation, and other unlawful ways, then the meat is Haram and gelatin is Haram too, because it is a product of that unlawful animal”. Source

Related: Is Gluten Halal or Haram? The Answer You Should Know

Is Beef Gelatin Halal in Sweets?

Yes, it is permissible to use beef gelatin in sweets or anything else if it is derived from pure substance. According to IslamQA, there is nothing wrong with eating foods that contain it because even if it comes from animals that have not been slaughtered properly or other haraam sources, it has been transformed into another substance that has different characteristics.

Is Beef Gelatin Halal in Medicines?

Yes, it is permissible to use beef gelatin in medicine or anything else if it is derived from pure substance. According to IslamQA, there is nothing wrong with medicines that contain it because even if it comes from animals that have not been slaughtered properly or other haraam sources, it has been transformed into another substance that has different characteristics.

Is All Beef Gelatin Halal?

No, not all beef gelatin are considered halal. Beef gelatin is halal provided that the source of the beef used has been slaughtered according to Islamic law. However, if the cow was not slaughtered according to the rules of Shariah then the gelatin will be haram.

In the West, especially the US, finding food produced from halal beef gelatin is difficult. For this reason, it is advisable to always check the packaging before purchasing any gelatin-containing substances.

If the gelatin used is derived from fish or is vegan-friendly, then you’re good to go. Otherwise, if the source is not specified, it’s best to steer clear.