Do you have any information on C12-14 Alcohol Ethoxylate? One of the restaurants in the North West wants to distribute wet towels which contain the above type of Alcohol. These wet towels are made by Visa Wet Wipes Industries Ltd www.vww.com.cy and contain the following ingredients:
Aqua, Biguanide Hydrochloride, C12-14 Amine Oxide, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether Benzalkonium Chloride, C12-14 Alcohol Ethoxylate, and Fragrance.

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful

Answer:

If such a product contains alcohol which is derived from grapes or dates, then it will not be permissible (i.e. haram) to use. However, if the alcohol is derived from any other source (other than grapes or dates) it will be permissible (i.e. halal) to use. (Fatwa Haqqaniyyah p.199 v.5)

Alcohol Ethoxylate is derived from coconuts. (Source: www.simplyclean.ca) and therefore, it will be permissible (i.e. halal) to use.

Moulana Khalid Saifullah in “Jadeed Fiqhi Masaail” (p.316 V.1) has categorised such perfumes etc… as “Najaasat Khafeefah” (lighter impurity). Therefore, if less than 25% of the garment/cloth is covered with it then salah will still be valid.

Allah knows best.

Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta, Birmingham.