What is the ruling on using a medicine that contains a forbidden impurity if its efficacy in treating the disease is higher than another permissible medicine?

As for external use (on the surface of the body) of porcine extracts and similar substances like alcohol, it is permissible according to many scholars. However, if the medicine is to be eaten or drunk, scholars have differed regarding its permissibility. Some have absolutely prohibited it, while others have permitted it if it is the only way to achieve healing, as stated by a trustworthy physician, with a differing opinion in cases where a permissible medicine with less efficacy is available.

Some Hanafis and Shafi'is hold the view that enemas or treatment with prohibited substances are permissible in cases of extreme necessity where there is a fear for one's life, provided that a skilled Muslim physician prescribes it. They argue that the hadith, "Indeed, Allah has not made your healing in what He has forbidden for you," negates the prohibition when healing is proven to be achieved through it.

On the other hand, the Malikis and some Hanbalis are of the opinion that it is not permissible to treat with prohibited substances like alcohol and impure substances, even if it leads to perishing. This is based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "Indeed, Allah has not made the healing of my Ummah in what He has forbidden for them," and his saying about nabidh (fermented drink): "It is not a medicine, but rather a disease."

Accordingly, whoever follows the opinion of those who permit treatment with prohibited substances out of necessity is not blameworthy, provided that the necessity is assessed in its proper measure and it is resorted to only if it is the sole means of treatment, and one does not abandon a permissible medicine that achieves the desired outcome, even if it is less beneficial. The field of medicine and pharmaceuticals is vast, and what is most beneficial for Muslims is preferred.