The ruling on the food of the People of the Book and products containing pork.

Q: What is the ruling on what was announced in a conference held in America, one of whose recommendations was to warn about certain products because they contain pork? Among these products are soap, toothpaste, cheese, and so on. Please provide guidance. Do you have any knowledge about this conference and these products?

A: Questions regarding these products mentioned by the questioner, and what happened at this conference, were directed to us. The matter was referred to the competent authorities here in the Kingdom. It was stated that nothing of the sort has reached the Kingdom, and nothing has been established with us that contradicts what the competent authorities in the Kingdom have stated regarding what is claimed to be pork or its fat in the food of the People of the Book that reaches this Kingdom. The original ruling is that it is lawful until evidence is established to the contrary, based on the saying of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He): : [al-Baqarah:172]. And success is from Allah.