Alcohol in medicines
Category:
Consumption of Food
According to Madhhab:
Hanafi
Reference:
1440-351
Question:
In some medicines I noticed that there is some alcohol in the ingredients. Is it permissible to use these medicines?
Answer:
principle, the usage of medicines which contain any Haram substances will be impermissible. However, the scholars have permitted the use of such medicines when prescribed by an expert Muslim doctor with the surety or great hope that the medicine will cure the sick, and that there are no (Halal non-alcoholic) alternatives available for the respected disease. (Fataawa Mahmudiyyah Vol. 27 Pg. 287)
However, as far as “synthetic alcohol” (chemically-prepared alcohol generally used as a preservative, made in laboratories, and which is used in medicines nowadays) is concerned, although many contemporary Ulema e Kiraam have permitted its usage in medicines due to Umoom e Balwa (the general masses are so involved and indulged in its usage that it has become unavoidable), we would still advise and recommend the questioner to abstain from this type of alcohol especially if other non-alcoholic alternatives are available. (Ahsanul Fataawa Vol. 4 Pg. 94)
AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST
ANSWERED BY: Mohsin Khan
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Islamic Date:42 Jumaadal Ukhra 1441 - English Date: 2 March 2019
