Last Updated: 10/02/2009
Bismihi Ta'aalaa We have removed the paragraph from this Fatwa:
"Further, 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. (A-20) "
The reason for doing this is quite simple. The Fatwa posted relates to the jurisprudence of alcohol use in products for topical (external) use. This quote from the MFG refers to alcohols being impermissible for ingestion (consumption), when it is added to a product as an ingredient, regardless of the source of alcohol, whether it be sourced from sugars from cane or otherwise. The description is quite correct, but this Ruling does not apply to external use of alcohols. They are permissible, as long as they are not sourced from dates and grapes.
To conclude, such ethyl alcohols are permissible for topical use, hence the reason why this quote is being removed from this answer. Please note we are not in anyway suggesting that Mufti Yusuf Sacha has erred, but rather the quote in this answer was not applicable.
Where such alcohols are used for flavourings, they are permissible. For more details on our Fatwa on Alcoholic Flavourings, please see:
Mufti Abdullah Patel
Bismiha-Ta'ala
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.
If the deodrants/perfume is made from synthetic/chemical alcohol, extracted and manufactured from items besides grapes or dates, then the use of such products is permissible.
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)
Before using such products, it is advisable from the Shar'ee point of view to check with the manufacturers on the type of alcohol used. (i.e. whether natural or synthetic based).
Allah SWT Knows Best.
(Mufti) Abdullah Patel
http://www.gmwa.org.uk/qna/viewquestion.php?QuestionID=3&TopicID=10
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