Conducting experiments on pork and alcohol as part of work in chemistry

13-12-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalaamu alaykum. I am a researcher in the chemical field. I would like to start working for a company of inks and paints for boxes for food and beverages. My research should concern the development of new paints. Among the tests that I would have to do is to assess if the food kept in the boxes has been contaminated with the paint that is on the outside of the box. Sometimes, I would have to touch pork or wine, while wearing gloves, to do experiments/analysis and evaluate the contamination and eventually change the components of the paint. Is this work haram? The company produces paints for boxes for all kinds of foods, including pork and wine. Thank you very much. May Allah reward you.

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Your work in the development of inks and paints for boxes of food and beverages is permissible, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, it is not permissible for you to carry out experiments on forbidden foods and beverages, such as pork and alcohol. You must limit your experiments to permissible foods and beverages.

For more benefit, please refer to fatwa 91532.

Allah knows best.