On September 11, 1951, an Egyptian newspaper,al-Ahram, published afatwa bymufti Hasanayn al-Makhluf[1] rulingCoca-Cola andPepsi were permissible underIslamic law. The premise of the case was due to rumors and conspiracies spreading among the public, such as theCoca-Cola logo, when reflected in a mirror, spelling out "NoMohammed noMecca" in Arabic.[2]
In order to get an accurate answer on whether or notPepsi andCoca-Cola were prohibited by Islamic law, the EgyptianDepartment of Fatwas asked theMinistry of Public Health to ascertain the composition of the two sodas. On August 25, 1951, the Ministry of Public Health found that neither Pepsi-Cola nor Coca-Cola contained anynarcotics,alcohol, orpepsin.[3] The use of narcotics and the consumption of alcohol are both prohibited (haram) under Islamic law. Pepsin is created from the membrane of pig stomachs, and any product coming from a pig is not permitted under MuslimSharia law.[4] The Ministry of Public Health explained that the drinks also have no harmful microbes in them. Based on the information provided by the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Fatwas declared the drinks permissible under Islamic law.[3]
Mufti Hasanayn al-Makhluf also explained in this fatwa that all foods and drinks are assumed to be permissible under Islamic law unless found otherwise and if a person does not know the condition or ingredients of a food or beverage, its consumption is permitted until its nature is determined.