Fiqh Istihalah: Integration of Science and Islamic Law

Modern development in information technology helped the expansion of knowledge, and shaped the lifestyle of contemporary societies in various aspects, including arts, architecture, engineering, and agriculture and food industry. This paper aims to highlight the role of modern technology in food industry and the activities of enhancing, redesigning and upgrading the quality of the food; the paper analyzes the use of technology in determining permissibility of certain foods through and within the Islamic concept of halal food. It attempts also to highlight the concept of fiqh istihalah and its applications in food industry; however, the paper would focus on the issues related to alcohol and gelatine ingredients in food industry.