L-Cysteine is a dough conditioner commonly used in food items and is often derived from human hair.

Question

1. If a food item contains L-Cysteine derived from human hair, will the food item be permissible to consume? 2. If the source of the L-Cysteine in a food item is uncertain, will the food item be permissible to consume?

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

1. It is not permissible to use any item that contains human hair. (Bahrur raaiq part6 pg.81)
2. If the source of an item is uncertain then too it is preferable to refrain from using such items until proper research is made into the contents of the article. In a Hadith, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentions, 'Verily Halaal is clear, and verily Haraam is clear. And between them there are certain doubtful matters many people are unaware of them, therefore, who stays away from doubtful matters he has protected his Deen and honour. And who gets involved in doubtful matters, he would fall into Haraam.' (Bukhari; Muslim)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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