The authorship of this book is part of a research project presented to the University of Islamic Science Malaysia- may Allah perpetuate her safety and honor and make her the center stage of Islamic propagation and a protective fortress for Islam and its sciences. The book has been duly approved by the committee constituted by the university authority and is titled (Shariah Guidelines on the Application of Istihalah in Cosmetic Products).
The research is higly relevant to the contemporary society particularly due to the existence of a number of complicated legal issues surrounding cosmetic products, especially where the material ingredients used in the making of the products contain impure, harmful and poisonous substances. Therefore, in order to properly enlighten the Muslims community on this issue, it is imperative to set guiding principles and Sharia rules governing the transformation process (istihalah) that occurs in the production of these products.
It is in the service for this purpose that this study unrolls and presents some important Shari’a rules governing istihalah in cosmetic products which are supported by authorities and proofs drawn from the sources of Islamic law, the various classical fiqh doctrines and the views expressed by contemporary jurists that can be conveniently applied in a wide range of consumer products including, cleaning products, medicine and so on.
The book will therefore serve as a scientific reference guide to institutions and bodies specialized in the marketing of the products, bodies in charge of standards and measures and the like. This will guarantee the lawfulness of using the products; for such products should not only satisfy the standards of quality but must equally satisfy the conditions set by Islamic law and its rules. In writing this book, the author ensures the use of eloquent and easy flowing language, presenting the juristic arguments in an articulate and lucid style, with a segmentation that is free from complication, thus facilitating the understanding of the relevant rules effortlessly and without any difficulty.
It is our hope that the book will be beneficial to the Muslim community and any other person interested in knowing the rules concerning istihala in Islamic law. We pray to Allah the Most High to accept this humble effort and include it in the scale of our good deeds. He is the One with the absolute power over it.
الأستاذ المشارك الدّكتور منير علي عبد الرّب | Associate Professor Dr. Muneer Ali Abdul Rab | 10998