Question:
Are we permitted to use deodorants, creams, perfumes, and other cosmetics containing alcohol?
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Thank you for your question.
Yes it is permitted to use deodorants and creams containing alcohol, as it is invariably synthetic alcohol and not the khamr (wine) that is absolutely impermissible and filthy.
Non-wine alcohol is not ritually impure. As a result, it is permitted in external uses, such as in perfumes and soaps. [Mufti Taqi Usmani, Takmilat Fath al-Mulhim; Shaykh Mustafa Zarqa, Fatawa]
However, it is more religiously precautious not to, because of the difference of opinion about it.
According to the Indian Hanafi scholars, the fatwa in our times is that synthetic alcohol (and all alcohol not considered ‘khamr’) is tahir (pure), and permitted to use and consume AS LONG AS:
• it is not used as an intoxicant;
• it is not used as intoxicants as used (i.e. for alcoholic consumption, even a little);
• it is not used in an amount that intoxicates;
• it is not used in vain (lahw).
This was Mufti Mahmoud Ashraf Usmani’s explanation, and it is supported by many fatwas in the great Indian Hanafi fatwa references of the 20th Century. This is the position of Imam Abu Hanifa himself. Later scholars said that the fatwa was on the position of Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, Abu Hanifa’s student, that all alcohol is najis and haram, even in small quantities, because of widespread fitna. In our times, because of the widespread use of alcohol in all sorts of things, it has become very difficult to avoid. This is why great Hanafis of our times gave the abovementioned fatwa.
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Executive Director, SeekersGuidance & SeekersHub Toronto
Proudly brought to you by SeekersHub Global, more SeekersAnswer can be found at http://seekershub.org/ans-blog/
Since You’re Here… we have a small favour to ask.
In these extraordinary times, millions rely on HOTD for daily uplifting & inspiring content. Established since 2009 and with your kind support we’ve seen readers elevate their Imaan & strive for better on a daily basis. We’re committed to keeping our content freely available and open for all readers. Every contribution, however big or small, makes a difference and help us spread knowledge to millions daily
HOTD is something special, it’s a place where people can come to be inspired, to renew their faith, to learn and share knowledge, to fall in love with our faith and also our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).
All content on HOTD is free. We believe what we do in this life builds for the next one and we work tirelessly with the aim to please Allah and inspire the global Muslim community as
well as providing information and inspiration for anyone interested in Islam. We simply cannot do this without your support and your support helps us continue our services.
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. You can support HOTD and help sustain our future. Support Hadith of the Day and make a one-off donation or give regularly from as little as £10 a month Jazak’Allah Khayr – whatever you donate will come back to benefit you Insha’Allah as whatever is spent in the way of Allah is an investment in the future and the next life. Thank you.
