The Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia policy regarding the use of medications containing non-halal ingredients: an analysis from the Shari’ah perspective

Abstract

This article analyses the policy of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia against the use of medicines containing non-halal substances according to the Shari’ah perspective. This article aims to enlighten pharmaceutical professionals about their responsibilities in the preparation of medications containing non-halal (impermissible) ingredients and the responsibility of the physicians when prescribing drugs that include non-halal components to patients, emphasising that such prescriptions are permissible only in situations of necessity, known as al-Darurah (necessity). This article also raises awareness among the public that not all illnesses or diseases can be considered al-Darurah except in certain situations permitted by Shari’ah (Islamic law). This article also proposes several solutions to the MOH to facilitate the public's usage of medications containing non-halal ingredients based on rukhsah. This article uses the qualitative method approach, explicitly incorporating the perspectives of Islamic scholars regarding the necessity of utilising medications containing non-halal ingredients in situations of al-Darurah. Furthermore, this article analyses the guidelines implemented by the MOH concerning the usage of drugs containing non-halal substances in Malaysia. This article also seeks to raise awareness among physicians about the vital responsibility they hold in only prescribing medications with non-halal ingredients to patients when it is necessary (al-Darurah) and to educate pharmaceutical experts on the significance of disclosing complete details about the non-halal components used.