❖ Ruling on Narcotic Substances in External Medicinal Use ❖
By: Fadhilatul-ʿĀlim Ḥāfiẓ Qamar Ḥasan ḥafiẓahullāh & Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
What is the Sharʿī ruling on using or trading in external-use medications that contain intoxicants such as bhang (hemp) or similar substances?
This is a matter of scholarly difference (masʾalah mukhtalaf fīh), and both permissibility and impermissibility have been expressed by reputable scholars. The context of medicinal necessity plays a significant role in determining the ruling.
There are certain medical treatments where such substances become unavoidable, similar to how certain toxic compounds are used in topical medications despite being generally prohibited for internal use.
There is indeed a difference between ingestible substances and those used externally (such as ointments, creams, and lotions). However, anything that is inherently intoxicating (مسکر) or classified under khamr (خمر) should not be generalized or promoted commercially.
It is well known among scholars that any substance declared ḥarām due to its intoxicating nature or an explicit text (naṣṣ) cannot be used in commerce or trade, even if the intoxication is not achieved via ingestion.
If a ḥalāl alternative exists, that should be pursued. While extensive investigation into every minor detail may not always be practical, due diligence should be exercised where possible—especially when alternatives are accessible within a diverse marketplace.
Given the complexity and variability of national laws, licenses, and the medical nature of such products, issuing a definitive, general fatwa is not appropriate. However, principles can be clearly stated.
General Rule:
If a substance is ḥarām in its essence (due to intoxication or a clear textual prohibition), then its use or trade—whether for internal or external application—is also ḥarām, unless a legitimate necessity exists.
Exception Under Necessity:
If no suitable alternative is available and the situation falls under "الضرورات تبيح المحظورات" (necessities permit prohibitions), then temporary and restricted use may be allowed with caution and under expert consultation.
By: Fadhilatul-ʿĀlim Ḥāfiẓ Qamar Ḥasan ḥafiẓahullāh & Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
What is the Sharʿī ruling on using or trading in external-use medications that contain intoxicants such as bhang (hemp) or similar substances?
❖ Answer:
This is a matter of scholarly difference (masʾalah mukhtalaf fīh), and both permissibility and impermissibility have been expressed by reputable scholars. The context of medicinal necessity plays a significant role in determining the ruling.
✿ Key Considerations:
➊ Necessity in Medical Treatment:
There are certain medical treatments where such substances become unavoidable, similar to how certain toxic compounds are used in topical medications despite being generally prohibited for internal use.
➋ Distinction Between Internal and External Use:
There is indeed a difference between ingestible substances and those used externally (such as ointments, creams, and lotions). However, anything that is inherently intoxicating (مسکر) or classified under khamr (خمر) should not be generalized or promoted commercially.
➌ Scholarly Position on Intoxicants:
It is well known among scholars that any substance declared ḥarām due to its intoxicating nature or an explicit text (naṣṣ) cannot be used in commerce or trade, even if the intoxication is not achieved via ingestion.
➍ Availability of Alternatives:
If a ḥalāl alternative exists, that should be pursued. While extensive investigation into every minor detail may not always be practical, due diligence should be exercised where possible—especially when alternatives are accessible within a diverse marketplace.
➎ No Blanket Fatwa:
Given the complexity and variability of national laws, licenses, and the medical nature of such products, issuing a definitive, general fatwa is not appropriate. However, principles can be clearly stated.
❖ Conclusion:
General Rule:If a substance is ḥarām in its essence (due to intoxication or a clear textual prohibition), then its use or trade—whether for internal or external application—is also ḥarām, unless a legitimate necessity exists.
Exception Under Necessity:If no suitable alternative is available and the situation falls under "الضرورات تبيح المحظورات" (necessities permit prohibitions), then temporary and restricted use may be allowed with caution and under expert consultation.
