The Islamic Legal Rulings of

Abstract

Muslims are prohibited from consuming any pharmaceutical products that contain harmful and unlawful (ḥaram) substances; nevertheless, issue arises when there is no other suitable alternative of ḥalal pharmaceutical products to be used as a treatment in ḍarurah (necessity) situation. Therefore, this research aims to explore the Islamic legal rulings of “Necessity Dictates Exceptions” in Pharmaceutical products and to determine the fatwas related to Shari’ah issues in Pharmaceutical products. Apart from that, researcher also will study the understanding of Muslim consumers on the Islamic legal rulings of “Necessity Dictates Exceptions” relating to Pharmaceutical products. This research will only focus on the pharmaceutical products with the usage of alcohol, drug that contains animal products and drug that is extracted from plants. To achieve the objectives of this research, researcher used the mixed method of qualitative and quantitative methods for the data collection. Finding from this research showed that it is permissible to consume the pharmaceutical products that contain harmful and unlawful (ḥaram) substances in the state of ḍarurah (necessity) situation, where no alternative of ḥalal pharmaceutical products available. The survey questionnaire was distributed to Muslim consumers among the general public in Brunei Darussalam and the data analysis revealed that respondents have a good knowledge and understanding on the ruling of drug that is extracted from harmful plant. On the other hand, they are lack of understanding on the rulings of pharmaceutical products with the usage of alcohol and drug that contains non-ḥalal animal products. This research is very significant as it will provide guidance and contribute to a better understanding to the public about the Islamic legal rulings of “Necessity Dictates Exceptions” in Pharmaceutical products.