Q: I read the Indonesian Viletta magazine issued in Feb.11, 1980. This magazine receives news from The Islamic World Magazine issued in Jumada 12, 1399 A.H. from Makkah. I read that some of the cleaning agents are made from lard such as the soap called Camay and Palmolive and a toothpaste called Colgate. This is a rampant issue in all corners of Indonesia. People have discussed the truthfulness of this and the ruling on this issue a lot. Therefore, I would like to pose to you the following questions:(1)Does this news have an authentic source?(2)Is it obligatory on us as soon as we hear such news, without ascertaining the truth, to give up using these products and wash vessels seven times, using in one of them pure dust - as is the case with removing major impurity in Shafi`y Madh-hab (School of Jurisprudence) followed by most of the Indonesian people? Should we perform again all the Salahs (prayers) we did while using such impure things?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions. Firstly: We have not received any reliable information that some of the cleaning materials are made from lard such as (Part No. 5; Page No. 386) Camay and Palmolive soaps or Colgate toothpaste. We have only heard rumors about them. Secondly: The basic rule is the purity of these things. Therefore, we are permitted to use them until we receive truthful information from reliable sources that they are made of lard or the like of impure things that are prohibited to use, then they become unlawful to use. But if the news is no more than a rumor that has not been verified, then it is not obligatory to avoid using them. Thirdly: Anyone who becomes certain that cleaning agents are mixed with lard must avoid using them, and must wash whatever things became impure through using them. As for prayers offered during the time of using these cleaning agents, one is not required to perform them again, according to the soundest opinion of scholars in this regard.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.