Is it permissible to drink carbonated beverages such as Pepsi and Mountain Dew, based on what has been circulated regarding their containing a substance extracted from pigs, in light of the unclear results of the analyses being conducted by the Islamic Research Academy?

All food or drink mixed with pork becomes impure (najis) and is forbidden to use, based on the Almighty's saying: "Say, 'I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat for one who eats it, except that it be a dead animal or spilled blood or the flesh of swine — for indeed, that is an abssomination (rijss).'" The default status of things is permissibility unless their prohibition is proven or strongly suspected. It is better for a Muslim to avoid what is doubtful, in accordance with the hadith: "Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt." Therefore, the drinks in question are not forbidden unless the circulating news is confirmed, and refraining from them is out of caution and piety.