Guidelines for a Muslim Pharmacist when dispensing medication
Q: I am a pharmacist who owns a retail pharmacy and would like to know the shariah ruling on stocking and selling the following types of medication:
1. Tablets and capsules containing porcine and non-certified bovine gelatin.
2. A number of medicines which contain alcohol as a major part of ingredients and many which contain alcohol as a preservative.
3. Medicines which contain ingredients which people can become addicted to e.g. codeine-based products like pain killers, etc.
4. The permissibility of transacting with patients on medical aid.
5. The sale of contraceptive pills and morning after pills to prevent conception.