Shar‘i Ruling on the Use of Alcohol in Homeopathic Medicines
Question:Is it permissible to undergo treatment using homeopathic medicines that contain alcohol?
Answer by:Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
Fadhīlat al-ʿĀlim Ikrāmullah Wāḥidī ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Understanding the Use of Alcohol in Homeopathy
The presence of alcohol in homeopathic medicines is a commonly raised concern. The Sharʿī ruling is explained below:
① Nature of the Alcohol Used
◈ The alcohol used in such medicines is not the same as khamr (intoxicating wine).
◈ It is generally added as a preservative to increase shelf life, not to induce intoxication.
② Evaporation During Use
◈ In many cases, the alcohol present in homeopathic preparations evaporates upon use, especially due to high dilution levels.
◈ Therefore, it does not retain the properties of intoxicants.
③ Scholarly Opinions
◈ A number of scholars have permitted the use of such alcohol in medicine and perfumes,
✔ Provided it is non-intoxicating
✔ And not used for pleasure or recreational purposes.
Conclusion
✔ It is permissible to use homeopathic medicines that contain non-intoxicating alcohol.
✔ Since its purpose is preservation, and it is not consumed as an intoxicant, it does not fall under the prohibition of khamr.
✔ Hence, such treatment is not considered ḥarām under Islamic law.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
