It is vitally important that we as Muslims are fully aware that we are consuming and using halal products. On this page We hope to present and make clear the issue of using Alcohol based ingredients in medicines and skincare products. The majority of the info on this page is taken from www.gmwa.org.uk (halaal food guide service. If you feel any of this information is incorrect please let them or us know.
Please email info@ummahnews.co.uk of you have any questions, leaving an email address if you would like a reply.
Almighty Allah (SWT) says, "O people of Imaan! Eat of the pure things (Halaal) that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah"
If alcohol is derived from grapes or dates, it will be haram and impure. If it is from anything else besides dates and grapes and it does not intoxicate directly or through a mixture, then it is permissible.
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PLEASE NOTE THE INGREDIENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE HALAAL FOR EXTERNAL USE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Summary
The general rule on the use of alcohol based perfumes/deodrants, etc is that if the alcohol has been extracted from grapes or dates their use will be forbidden since this is Najis (impure) and will thus make the body and clothes impure. Only alcohol which is derived from dates and grapes is filthy and impermissible to use.
1. Skincare products
UPDATE:
Q) I received products for foot skin problems, the product contains honey, olive oil and dead sea salt, can i use them? If not can you please explain why?
A) No. Do not use Dead sea ingredients.
Benzyl alcohol - Halal
is produced naturally by many plants and is commonly found in fruits and teas. It is also found in a variety of essential oils including jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. It is used as a bactericide (kills bacteria) in personal care formulations and it does not cause intoxication, therefore it is classed as Halal, even though its chemical name contains the word ‘Alcohol’.
http://behalal.org/consumer/personal-care/personal-care/
Stearyl alcohol - Halaal
also Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol and Cetyl alcohol are emulsifiers, meaning they help the oily ingredients in the formulation dissolve in the water phase to give the cream a smooth consistency. They tend to be white, waxy solids and are known as fatty alcohols, which occur naturally in some plants and animals. These could be Halal, even though the name suggests otherwise, because if ingested, they are not intoxicating
behalal.org/consumer/personal-care/personal-care/
Ethyl Alcohol - Haraam
(it is mentioned in Muslim Food Guide (1420/200 edition) that Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is also impermissible as it is generated from the fermentation of sugars from cane, forming the intoxicating element of all fermented liquors)
http://www.gmwa.org.uk/qna/viewquestion.php?QuestionID=3&TopicID=10
Ethyl Alcohol is also used in many cosmetic agents both for men (Aftershave Lotion) and for female perfumes. Ethyl Alcohol is absorbed through the skin. It then passes through the flesh into the blood vessels and finally mixes with the blood and circulates throughout the body. Once in the blood it is as good as if one has ingested through the mouth. As a small quantity of any intoxicant is haram therefore, as mentioned earlier, all liquid cosmetic products containing Ethyl Alcohol are prohibited. Other names given to synthetic Ethyl Alcohol are, Ethanol, Methylated Spirits (contains 5 percent Methyl Alcohol and 95 percent Ethyl Alcohol). Products containing these ingredients therefore will also be prohibited.
http://www.albalagh.net/letters/synthetic_alcohols.shtml
Cetyl Alcohol - halaal
"Cetyl alcohol is a long chain alcohol which is solid hence obviously not drinkabale nor does it cause intoxication if at all ingested. Therefore, it is halal to use in cosmetic products. It is also not absorbed through the skin when applied as a cream.
http://www.albalagh.net/letters/synthetic_alcohols.shtml
Lanolin is a permissable ingredient http://www.gmwa.org.uk/foodguide2/viewquestion.php?foodqid=102&catID=4&compID=1
phenoxyethanol - not etyl based therefore Halaal http://www.gmwa.org.uk/foodguide2/viewquestion.php?foodqid=102&catID=4&compID=1
"Cetearyl alcohol - (Halaal), in cosmetics and skincare Cetearyl Alcohol is not really an "alcohol" such as ethyl or rubbing alcohol, which would dry the skin, but is an emulsifying wax made by combining fatty alcohols derived from vegetable sources.
http://www.gmwa.org.uk/foodguide2/viewquestion.php?foodqid=96&catID=1&compID=15
Denatured Alcohol - Halaal
Denatured alcohol is an industrial methylated spirit or surgical spirit (contains natural or synthesised ethanol and denaturing agent such as methanol or methylisobutyl ketone). We regard it as permissible for external use.
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=62174#post62174
Dimethicone and Methicone - HALAAL
both silicone based polymers, are also considered halal, and used as antifoaming agents or skin conditioning agents.
Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol and Dipropylene Glycol are clear, practically colorless, liquids. These ingredients are used in the formulation of hair and bath products, eye and facial makeup, fragrances, personal cleanliness products, shaving and skin care products. There are no halal concerns about these products.
Glycerin may be found in soaps, toothpaste, shaving cream, eyebrow pencils, lip colors, and skin and hair care products. Glycerin, also referred to as Glycerol, is a component of all animal and vegetable fats and oils. It can also be synthesized from carbohydrate materials or from substances such as petroleum. Vegetable derived glycerin and synthetic glycerin are considered halal. Animal derived glycerin may not be. Not knowing the source makes it doubtful. Consumers need to ask manufacturers whether glycerin is vegetable or animal based.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate are used in the formulation of shampoos, bath products, and skin cleansing products but can also be found in other types of products. These ingredients exhibit a high degree of foaming and impart "softness" to the skin. Both ingredients are Mashbooh, as are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate.
Collagen - Haraam
is used in many personal care products such as skin care and anti-aging creams. It is made from animal hides including pigs and may be labeled as hydrolyzed animal protein. Products containing collagen and hydolyzed animal protein must be avoided.
Fancy alcohols. The second, "fancier" type of alcohol commonly used in cosmetics is a fatty alcohol, such as cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl or behenyl alcohol. These alcohols are typically derived from coconut or palm and are solids at room temperature, therefore must be melted for use in cosmetic formulations. Personal care products such as conditioners and hand, body or face lotions typically use fatty alcohols to thicken a formulation, emulsify oils into water or condition the skin and hair.
2. Medicines - Alcohol in medicines is permissible
Islamic Law regarding Alcohol
If it is known with certainty that medicine or food contains Alcohol derived from one of the four sources [Ashribah Arba’] raw grape juice, processed grape juice, dried grape (raisins) juice and date juice then such medicine and food are not permissible.
Medicinal Alcohol
Regarding medicine if on the authority of a competent doctor, no alternative medication is available, then the usage of such medicine in limitation and necessity will be allowed. In these circumstances Hanafi Fiqh allows Tadawi bil Haraam [medicine from Haraam sources]. If it is known with certainty that alcohol derived other than the four sources have been used as ingredients in medication or food then according to Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Abu Yusuf Rahmatullah Alayhima. It will be permissible to use such medication providing it does not intoxicate.
http://www.salaam.co.uk/forum/read.php?f=4&i=7566&t=7523
Hazrat Mufti M. Taqi Usmani Saheb, (A leading contemporary scholar of Pakistan) writes in his commentary of Sahih Muslim, "The majority of alcohol used in medication and perfumes is not manufactured from grapes and dates, it is extracted from grains, peels or petroleum etc." (Takmilah Fathul-Mulhim Vol. 3 Page. 608)
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ALCOHOL
Alcohol is an Arabic derivation of alghul meaning ghost or evil spirit. An Arab Alchemist by the name of Jabir Ibn Hayyan, known to the west as Geber, first distilled alcohol in 800 AD. He suggested the name for its most effective result. The prohibition of alcohol in Islam is found directly in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed, Peace be upon him. liquor are cursed by Allah, but all those who deal with them directly or indirectly. It was reported by Anas, a Companion of the Prophet, that Muhammad, peace be upon him said:
Allah’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol.
The one who distils it;
The one for whom it has been distilled;
The one who drinks it;
The one who transports it;
The one for whom it has been brought;
The one who serves it;
The one who sells it;
The one who utilises the money from it;
The one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else.
From this it is clear that alcoholic beverages in all varieties and forms are unlawful for Muslims. This includes all types of wines, liquors, fermented beverages, pure alcohol and the like. There are many reasons why alcoholic beverages have been prohibited in Islam.
Alcohol is an abomination and handiwork of Satan, preventing the remembrance of Allah. It prevents and/or delays Muslims from performing their daily prayers. Even if they pray they will not understand the meaning and significance of what they are doing and saying. Those who drink Alcohol will be denied Paradise . Those who drink Alcohol are considered by Islam to be similar to those who worship idols, something totally prohibited in Islam. At the time of drinking Alcohol a person is not considered to be a believer.
Alcohol is the mother of evil in society. Muslims believe that the Prophets of Allah did not taste alcoholic beverages and that Alcohol was prohibited in the original scriptures of other divine revealed religions.
Alcohol brings Allah’s curse on those who drink it as well as on those who plant or cultivate its raw materials, produce, sell or deal with it and those who participate in drinking parties.
Alcohol is responsible for a large number of road accidents. Alcohol causes many broken families, Because of Alcohol homicide, rape and other offences are committed.
Islamic Law regarding Alcohol
If it is known with certainty that medicine or food contains Alcohol derived from one of the four sources [Ashribah Arba’] raw grape juice, processed grape juice, dried grape (raisins) juice and date juice then such medicine and food are not permissible.
Medicinal Alcohol
Regarding medicine if on the authority of a competent doctor, no alternative medication is available, then the usage of such medicine in limitation and necessity will be allowed. In these circumstances Hanafi Fiqh allows Tadawi bil Haraam [medicine from Haraam sources]. If it is known with certainty that alcohol derived other than the four sources have been used as ingredients in medication or food then according to Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Abu Yusuf Rahmatullah Alayhima. It will be permissible to use such medication providing it does not intoxicate.
Food Alcohol
However food containing this ingredient will not be permissible to consume whether it intoxicates or not, providing Halaal and pure food is freely available. If Halaal food is not freely available and this food containing alcohol, as one of its ingredient in some form or other, is the only food available and it is extremely difficult to abstain therefrom. Then in such circumstances both, Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Abu Yusuf allow the consumption of such food providing it does not intoxicate. It should be remembered that this second type of alcohol if used as an ingredient in food and medicine is not permissible. The ruling is on the Fatwah of Imaam Muhammad but because of [Umoom Balwa, public predicament it] will be allowed following the ruling of the Shaikhain, Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Abu Yusuf.
Another solution to the problem can be to inquire from a specialist in the field of medicine and nutrition when alcohol, used in this manner, remains in its original state in the final product or undergoes significant chemical changes causing it to lose its original properties. If it is transformed after the process not remaining as alcohol then all the Imaams agree to it’s usage and consumption, citing the case where wine turns into vinegar losing all its former properties thus making it permissible for Muslims because of the change to the original properties of wine.
Shampoos and Deodorants
This area is very complex. Alcohol generally refers to ethyl alcohol commonly known as Ethanol, a liquid generated by the fermentation of sugars from cane, forming the intoxicating element of all fermented liquors. The chemical structure of Ethanol is C2 H5-OH. The entire alcohol family have one or more Hydroxyl OH group. Benzyl alcohol despite being part of this group is used as a preservative in baby products and can never be used to ferment liquors. There is a clear distinction between ethanol and other types of chemical alcohol, hence it would be permissible to use deodorants and shampoos containing alcohol except ethanol and the alcohol derived from grapes or dates, which is in itself Najas [impure] making the body as well as clothing impure!
PROCESSED FOODS AND E NUMBERS
Food additives are added to food to make it safer, keep it longer, stop the growth of bacteria, mould, and stop food going stale. They also aid processing as emulsifiers, raising agents, preservatives and improve food in terms of colour, taste, texture and nutritional value. Additives increase the variety of food available to consumers keeping prices down, allowing safe delivery of food to urban populated areas and create alternatives to traditional food like meat substitutes for meat, low fat products for butter and yoghurt and sugar free drinks for diabetics. The ‘E’ numbers were introduced to make it easier for EEC countries to come to a uniform system of regulating the additives industry.
The E Numbers are divided into 9 categories
Permitted Colours Numbers 100-180
Preservatives Numbers 200-290
Permitted Anti-oxidants Numbers 300-321
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers Numbers 322-494
Sweeteners Numbers 420-421
Solvents Numbers 422
Mineral Hydrocarbons Numbers 905-907
Modified Starches Numbers 1400-1442
Miscellaneous Additives Numbers 170-927
The use of additives is strictly controlled by law. They may not be used in food unless they are on a approved Government supervised list, proving their safe and effective usage. Once approved by the EC it is then given an ‘E’ number and is constantly monitored by local Government and the EEC. EEC directives require all food to list ingredients of the various products used because additives being so complicated by way of understanding leave alone pronouncing would have ingredients look like a chemist’s dictionary. We are publishing a list of numbers, some of which are Haraam and some of which are doubtful, because of its doubtful nature Muslims have to refrain from them as well.
E120 Cochineal (Carmine of Cochineal Carminicago, C.I.75490
Derived from the cochineal beetle, Dactilopius Coccus.
E160a Alfa-Carotene, Beta-Carotene, Gamma-Carotene.
E471 Mono and Di-Glycerides of fatty acids.
When Glycerol is used one has to find out the source whether animal or synthetic.
E472[a-e] Lactic acid esters of Mono-and Di-glycerides of fatty acids. Prepared from esters of Glycerol.
E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids prepared from Glycerol and Sucrose.
E474 Sycroglycerides prepared by reaction of Sucrose on natural triglycerides Derived from palm oil, lard, etc.
E475 Polyglycerol esters of Fatty acids. Prepared in the laboratory.
E476 Polyglycerol esters of polycondensed fatty acids of castor oil [polyglycerol polyricinoleate] Prepared from Castor Oil and Glycerol esters.
E477 Propane-1,2-idol esters of fatty acids [Propylene Glycol esters of Fatty acids] Prepared from Propylene Glycol.
E478 Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propane-1,2-idol. Prepared from esters of glycerol and Lactic acid.
E542 Edible Bone Phosphate Degreased steam extract of animal bone. Used as an anticaking agent preventing particles sticking together.
E570 Stearic Acid Naturally occurring fatty acid found in animal fats and vegetable oils. Used as anticaking agent.
E572 Magnesium Stearate Prepared synthetically from commercial stearic acid.
E631 Insine [Disodium Phospate, Sodium and Inosinate] The Disodium Salt of Inosinate Acid which can be prepared from insect or fish extract.
E635 A mixture of disodium guanylare and disodium inosinate. Same source as 631.
E640 920 L-Cysteine Hydrochloride and L-Cysteine hydrochloride mono hydrate. A naturally occurring amino acid manufactured from animal hair and chicken feathers.
All other ‘E’ number additives at the time of publication are Halaal, because of the ruling of Tabdeel-e-Mahiyat [See the article below], except the following:
E473 E474 E475 E476 E477 E478 E542 E570 E572 E631 E635 E640 E920
TABDEEL-E-MAHIYAT, [CHANGE IN THE ORIGINAL PROPERTIES OF A SUBSTANCE]
Tabdeel-e-Mahiyat is the total transformation of something whereby the original substance retains NO properties of its former state and differ completely from it in application. One must understand that to include everything and anything under this analogy or cite modern food production techniques does not necessarily satisfy the condition of Tabdeel-e-Mahiyat. A classic example is Gelatine, a thickener used in food derived from skins, tendons, ligaments, bones, to produce a gelling agent. However some remnant of the original product still remains in the final packaged product making it impure and improper for use despite the great chemical changes it underwent. Hence this will not be considered Tabdeel-e-Mahiyat or Halaal. The example given by ‘Allamah Ibn Aabideen in his Fatawa Radd-ul-Muhtaar on Nutfah [a drop of sperm] which is impure and changes after conception into ‘Alaqah [germ cell or clot] also impure but fertilizing into a Muzqah [embryonic lump] which is pure.
The second example quoted by him is of ‘Aseer [grape juice] which is pure but ferments and changes into Ghamr [wine] becoming impure and thereafter can further change into Khal [vinegar] which is pure again. Vinegar is prepared by two successive microbial process. The first being an alcoholic fermentation [which is Haraam] and the second an oxidation of alcohol by aceto bacter, when its molecular structure is changed and it ceases to be an intoxicant. Other varieties of vinegar are produced from beetroot, tarragon and alcoholic spirits. In vinegar the intoxicating factor is destroyed by the microbial process of oxidation hence it becomes permissible. Islam permits any variety of vinegar to be used as a condiment or preservative. In both cases the original state undergoes tremendous changes making the final product something altogether different. Soap also undergoes tremendous changes from its original substance, hence all soap will be permissible to use for Muslims.
‘Allamah Ibn Aabedeen says: We recognise that the changing of the original state of a substance is necessarily followed by the change in the qualities of the substance. We now come to the point whether the cause for the changes in the substance is purity or public predicament. Allamah Ibn Aabedeen rules that the actual case is public predicament and cites the example of soap made from impure oil which is pure because of public predicament. Fatawa
Mazahir ul Uloom vol.1 page 84-85 Fatawa Ibn Aabideen [Shaami] vol.1 page
sources:
http://www.ifanca.org/digest/digestnewsletters/detail/4cb97cab-7128-45ff-b49c-2fe3adcb6390
http://www.salaam.co.uk/forum/read.php?f=4&i=7566&t=7523
http://behalal.org/consumer/pharmaceuticals/consumer-pharmaceuticals/
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