Question:
What is the ruling on wearing perfumes which contain alcohol?
Answer:
The Lajnah (Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’) answered a similar question, in which they stated that:
“If the alcohol content in the cologne is such that drinking a large amount of it results in intoxication, it is not permissible to keep it, whether it exists in small or large amounts. Thus, it should be spilt because it is Khamr. It is confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered the Muslims to pour out the Khamr they had upon the revelation of this Ayah (Qur’anic verse):
O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaitân (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?
[5:90-91]
It is also confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited.”
Based on that, it is not permissible to drink it, apply it, or use it for cleaning. However, if the alcohol content does not reach a level that makes it intoxicating if drunk in a large amount, it is permissible to buy, keep, apply, and use as a cleaner. The basic ruling is the permissibility of things unless otherwise proven.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.”
