What is the ruling on consuming cheeses produced in a Muslim country, when it is not known whether the rennet used in them was taken from an animal slaughtered according to Islamic law?
The default rule concerning foods is that they are lawful and permissible. It is not prescribed to hesitate in eating cheeses made in Muslim countries on the pretext of not knowing the source of the rennet used in their production, as this falls under blameworthy over-scrupulousness and obsessive doubt. Some scholars hold the view that rennet from a dead animal (carrion) is permissible, but the preponderant view is that it is unlawful. This is a matter of ijtihad (independent reasoning), and a follower (muqallid) is permitted to follow either of the two opinions. Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that there are two well-known scholarly opinions regarding cheese made with rennet from a dead animal, or from an animal slaughtered by Majus (Zoroastrians) or Franks (Europeans): The first view deems it lawful because the rennet does not die with the death of the animal. The second view deems it impure because the milk and rennet of a dead animal are impure. Both opinions rely on narrations from the Companions as evidence.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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