What is the ruling on taking foreign medicines that contain gelatin or "magnesium stearate" extracted from animals not slaughtered Islamically, given the disagreement regarding the realization of the transformation (istihalah) of gelatin and the lack of clarity concerning the transformation of "magnesium stearate"? And what is the ruling on a pharmacist working in the field of these medicines?

If the gelatin is derived from a lawfully slaughtered animal, there is no objection to its permissibility. However, if it originates from a carcass or a pig, then if it has transformed into another substance through processing, its use is permissible; otherwise, it is not. If its source is unknown, the default ruling is permissibility. The same applies to magnesium stearate: if it has been processed and transformed, or if its status is unknown, there is no harm in using it. If it has not been processed, it retains its ruling of impurity. If a prohibition is determined, yet the use of medicines containing it is permitted in cases of necessity and the absence of an alternative. It is important to note that this question might stem from intrusive doubts (waswasa).