Is It Permissible to Use Beef Tallow on the Skin If It Is Not Halal-Slaughtered?
Question
Is it permissible to use beef tallow for the skin?
Some beef tallow is not specified as halal slaughtered.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
Allah says:
“Forbidden to you is carrion, blood, the flesh of swine…”
Surat al Ma’idah 5:3
The prohibition primarily concerns eating certain substances. The question here is not about consumption, but external use on the skin.
The jurists distinguish between:
- Consuming impermissible animal products,
- Benefiting from them externally.
They also distinguish between animals that are inherently impure (such as pig) and animals that are permissible in origin but improperly slaughtered.
2. Scholarly Discussion
If a cow is halal in essence but not slaughtered according to Sharia, its meat becomes impermissible to eat. However, the jurists differed on whether its byproducts (such as fat) are considered physically impure (najis).
The majority of scholars consider the carcass of a non-slaughtered animal to be impure, except for certain parts such as hair and some external components. However, many scholars allowed external use of animal fat after processing, especially when it has undergone transformation (istihalah).
There is a difference between:
- Eating the fat (which would not be allowed if not halal slaughtered),
- Applying it externally.
Many contemporary scholars hold that using such substances externally (for skin products, soap, cosmetics) is permissible because:
- It is not being consumed,
- It does not involve intoxication,
- It is not pig-derived,
- And there is no clear text prohibiting external benefit.
However, if the tallow is derived from pig, then the ruling is stricter. Most scholars prohibit benefiting from pig products except in cases of necessity.
3. Application to the Question
If the beef tallow comes from a cow:
- If it is halal slaughtered, it is fully permissible.
- If it is not confirmed halal slaughtered, then:
- It is not permissible to eat.
- It is generally permissible to use externally on the skin, especially after industrial processing, according to many contemporary scholars.
If it is pig-derived, then it should be avoided unless there is genuine medical necessity and no alternative.
If halal-certified alternatives are easily available, it is preferable to use them to avoid doubt.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة
The default ruling of things is permissibility
Unless there is clear evidence prohibiting external use, non-consumable items remain permissible.
Final Ruling
Using beef tallow on the skin is permissible, even if the cow was not confirmed halal slaughtered, because the prohibition relates to eating it, not external application. However, pig-derived products should be avoided unless medically necessary. If halal-certified alternatives are available, they are preferable.
And Allah knows best.