Gelatin: Is it Halal or Haram?

What is Gelatine

Gelatin or gelatine is a translucent, colorless, flavorless solid substance, derived from animal by-products. It is extracted from the skin, bones and connective tissue of animal such as domesticated cow, pigs, sheep, chicken and fish. Majority of gelatin production is coming from pig skin (44%), cow hides (28%), animal bones (27%) and other (1%).


Gelatin is a hydrocolloid (water-loving) material, high in amino acids, and can absorb up to ten times its weight in water. Gelatin is a pure, unique, nutritional protein providing many of the essential amino acids. Gelatin is not chemically modified, nor produced from genetically modified materials, so gelatin is entirely natural. When gelatin is ground to its commercial granular form, it is usually in particles the size of sand or sugar.


Uses of gelatine

Gelatine is truly remarkable in terms of its many functional properties especially in food and pharmaceutical applications.
It can be used as gel former (such as in gelled desserts), whipping agent (marshmallow, whipped cream), protective colloid (ice cream, frozen desserts), binding agent (fruit juice, vinegar), film former (coating of fruits, meats), thickener (powdered drink mixes, soups, pudding), emulsifier (sauces, flavoring), stabilizer (cream cheese, yogurt) and adhesive (to bind frosting to baked goods).

As you may see, gelatine has played a very important role in our everyday life especially when it comes into everyday foods that we consume.

Benefits of gelatine

1.Improving joint mobility
2.Improving bone firmness·
3.Stimulating the formation of cartilage
4.Improving firmness and elasticity of ligaments and tendons
5.Enhancing the formation of healthy skin and strong hair and nails

Concern about gelatin

With the widespread uses of gelatine in the food industries and the fact that most of the gelatine manufactured from non-halal animal sources, the big question to Muslim is HOW SURE ARE WE THE FOODS THAT WE ATE IS HALAL OR HARAM?

As what has been mentioned in Quran (Surah 16: Verse 114):

" So eat the lawful (Halal) and good food (Pure) which Allah has provided for you. And be grateful for the Graces of Allah, if it is He whom you worship"

Prophet Muhamad (pbuh) also mentioned in a hadith by Termidhi (1205):

" Halal (the lawful and permissible) is clear and Haram (unlawful and impermissible) is clear. Between Halal and Haram lays some doubtful things. Many people do not know whether it is permissible or not. Whoever leaves out these doubtful things in order to protect his religion and honor, then he is safe....."

From these 2 dalil, it is clear that Islam forbids the consumption of Haram or doubtful foods especially when there are alternative of Halal foods available.

Benefits of consuming Halal foods

1. Peace of mind and peaceful life, knowing for sure the status of the foods consumed.
2. Your effort and strive to find Halal food is considered as 'ibadah' and will be rewarded accordingly.
3. Bring more happiness at home especially among family members.
4. Help generate better economy for Muslims around the world.
5. As a way to thank Allah, the Almighty, by obeying Him (for not taking Haram foods)
6. You will be rewarded in Jannah for being a good and obedient Muslim.

What is Halal gelatine

Halal gelatine means gelatine that is manufactured and processed in accordance with stringent Islamic Syariah law.
Gelatine derived from pig by-product is definitely HARAM no matter how you do it as pig considered as haram animal in Islam.
For other animal such as cow, sheep or chicken, they need to be slaughtered by Islamic way of killing animal. Then, gelatine that is derived from these animals is considered Halal gelatine.

As it's been mentioned in Quran (Surah 6: Verse 118):
" Eat of what over which the name of Allah (swt) has been pronounced (while slaughtering the animal), if you are believer of His revelation"

How to look for Halal gelatine

There are many brands on the shelf that claim as halal gelatine.
Few things you should look for when looking for REAL Halal gelatine
1. The product should be certified Halal by a reliable and trusted Halal authority such as JAKIM (The Department of Malaysia Islamic Development).
Most of Halal authorities around the world are belong to private entity where profit is their main objective. This create doubtful of their Halal authenticity.
2. The product must be processed by Muslim in accordance with Islamic Syariah law.
3. The product is made from 100% halal animals by-products.
4. The product is manufactured under stringent quality control and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Intoducing HILAL Halal Gelatine

Realizing the difficulties facing by our Muslim brothers and sisters to get REAL Halal gelatine has prompted us to start up this small service to fulfill our 'fardu kifayah' responsibility.

We are fully committed in making sure the gelatine that we supply is coming from reliable Halal source while maintaining its high hygienic standard through out the manufacturing and packaging process.

What HILAL Halal Gelatine offers you

1. REAL Halal gelatine certified by JAKIM (Malaysian Halal Authority)
http://halalgelatine.com.my/LBSB/Accreditation.html#3
2. Processed and manufactured in accordance with stringent Islamic Syariah law.
3. Using 100% Halal animal parts (cow/sheep) that were slaughtered by Islamic way.
4. Manufactured by Muslim in a Muslim country.
5. High food grade gelatine with bloom strength of 150
6. Pleasant cheesy smell unlike other gelatine in the market.
7. Can be delivered through out the world.
8. Simple and user-friendly buying process.
9. Our company slogan: Responsible, reliable and reasonable