(#167)
Question
As-salamu alaykum, I notice most of my hygiene produces have alcohol like, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol. Do I have to fine alternatives? They are in Shampoo, deodorant, conditioner.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query dated 05/12/2022, our response is as follows:
Alcohol denat, benzyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are synthetically produced alcohols derived from sources other than grapes or dates. There is difference of opinion amongst the senior Hanafi Jurists with regards to the permissibility of using alcohol derived from sources other than grapes or dates. Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Abu Yusuf (Rahimahumallah) have given permission for the usage of such alcohol however the Fatwa is on the view of Imam Muhammad (Rahimahullah) who has rendered the usage of all types of intoxicants (be it of a grape/date derivative or not) as impermissible. It is stated in “Ash-Shaami”:-
“وحرمها محمد” –أي الأشربة المتخذة من العسل والتين ونحوهما… كالتمر والزبيب والعنب، فالمراد الأشربة التي هي حلال عند الشيخين إذا غلت واشتدت والا فلا تحرم كغيرها اتفقا .”مطلقا قليلها وكثيرها اتفاقا “وبه يفتي”-…
“Imaam Muhammad Rahmatullaahi Alayhi has declared all types of liquor (i.e. liquor derived from honey, figs, etc. be it in small or large quantities) as haraam, and the fatwa and final ruling is based on this view.” (Shaami vol.5 pg.292)
Based on the view of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahimahullah some contemporary scholars permit the usage of products containing alcohol of non-grape and date origin in view of the fact that according to Imam Abu Hanifah such alcohol is Paak and permissible to use. These scholars cite that because of necessity and Umoom-e-Balwaa (public predicament; the general masses being so involved in its usage that it has become unavoidable) the Fatwa should be on the view of Imam Abu Hanifah.
(Ahsanul Fataawa 95/2, Bahisti Zewar, 102/9, Takmilah Fathul Mulhim 608/3, Asre Haadhir ke Pecheedah Masaa’il aur unka Hal 461/2)
Be as it may, we would however advise against the usage of all alcohol based items even if of a non grape/date derivative, which is in view of Allamah Shaami’s (R.A) comments as to the view of Imam Muhammad, whereby he (Allaamah Shaami) writes in his juristic compilation:-
وبه يفتي”-…حيث قالوا الفتوى في زماننا بقول محمد لغلبة الفساد. وعلل بعضهم بقوله لأن الفساق يجتمعون علي هذه الأشربة ويقصدون اللهو والسكر بشربها. (در مع رد المحتار (455\6)
“The Fatwa in this age is based on the view of Imaam Muhammad Rahmatullaahi Alayhi due to the corruption and evil that could ensue as a result of legalising such types of liquor. This is due to the fact that the general trend is that misguided people gather to consume these drinks for mere pleasure and frivolity….”
Another reason for regarding this as the preferred view is to shut the door of the possibility of evil creeping in, due to laxity on this issue.” (Shaami vol.5 pg.293)
Thus, caution would dictate using items that do not contain alcohol, especially when one is not entirely sure of the exact nature of the impermissible ingredients in these perfumes and deodorants (some deodorants may contain other Haraam ingredients besides alcohol as well) and also especially since seeing that alternatives are readily available.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
