Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

There is no objection in using medicines containing Magnesium stearate if you cannot find alternatives – even if you are not sure whether it comes from an animal (including pork or animals that are not slaughtered Islamically).

Islam is a practical religion; the Quran states that “He has not made any difficult (regulations) for you to follow in religion.” (Al-hajj 22:78)

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “This religion is easy. Whoever makes it harder will be a loser.” (Al-Bukhari)

As far as know from the sources this substance is used as a lubricant, which is used in manufacturing process, to facilitate and enhance the therapeutic effects of medicines; furthermore, only a minuscule of the ingredient is used in medicines; and in the process, its chemistry also changes.

Therefore, based on the following rules of jurisprudence, we cannot declare it as haram:

1- Umum al-balwa: unavoidable necessity; we learn from the sources that there are few alternatives to this substance: in such cases, its use is admissible.

2- Once a forbidden material has undergone a chemical transformation in such a way that it becomes an entirely new product, it becomes halal – if the rationale of the prohibition is non-existent: an example is wine turned to vinegar. While wine is forbidden, vinegar is not.

3- The fact that it is an agent that enhances the process of production of medicine and the portion used is minuscule, it is excused. The Prophet, peace be upon him, has warned us against rigidity in practice of religion; he says: “Religion is easy; whoever makes it hard will be a loser.”

In conclusion, there is no need to be rigid on this issue; you are allowed to take this medication – especially if there are no alternatives.

Almighty Allah knows best.