Fatwa ID: 07339
Answered by: Muftiyah Zainab Nakhuda
Question:
Im taking one ayurvedic syrup medicine for GERD treatment which contains alcohol. Is it okay to drink that medicine. Its very effective? Is alcohol medicine not allowed?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Alcohol can be of many different types. According to our scholars though, only alcohol derived from grapes and dates will be completely and unconditionally Haraam.
Chemically most alcohol that is used in medications is Ethyl Alcohol, a synthetic (i.e. made) alcohol. Ethyl alcohol can be consumed secondarily, so long as its consumption does not lead to intoxication.[1] Hence, if the alcohol in this medicine is synthetic alcohol then there is no issue with using this medicine. Usually when alcohol is mentioned in the ingredients, it will say ethyl alcohol in brackets to clarify. However, you can also call into the company to confirm whether it is ethyl alcohol or not.
If this alcohol is derived from grapes and dates however, then this medicine’s use will be completely impermissible, unless there is a dire need to use it, i.e. A doctor informs you that there is no hope of cure other than through the use of this medicine.[2] GERD is a condition which has many Halal alternative medications, hence, drinking a Haraam medication for it will not be allowed.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Muftiyah Zainab Nakhuda
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
[1] Fataawaa Usmani, page 217, volume 4, Maktabah Ma’aariful Quraan (Haashiyah 1)
[2] Al Bahrur Raa’iq, page 122, volume 1, Maktabah Shamelah
وَقَدْ وَقَعَ الِاخْتِلَافُ بَيْنَ مَشَايِخِنَا فِي التَّدَاوِي بِالْمُحَرَّمِ فَفِي النِّهَايَةِ عَنْ الذَّخِيرَةِ الِاسْتِشْفَاءُ بِالْحَرَامِ يَجُوزُ إذَا عُلِمَ أَنَّ فِيهِ شِفَاءً وَلَمْ يُعْلَمْ دَوَاءٌ آخَرُ اهـ.
