[Q 290] Eating Foods with Evaporated Alcohol

Question

If alcohol is poured in the process of making food but in the process the alcohol is also burned off or alcohol goes through a chemical change so it is no longer present in the dish would that dish be allowed to eat as the harmful qualities of alcohol cease to exist?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

In this issue, scholars have different opinions. According to one opinion, consuming items containing alcohol is not permissible even if only a small amount of alcohol is included (except for medicinal alcohol, as its use is permissible).

Another opinion permits the consumption of food and drinks containing a minor amount of alcohol if it is not added for the purpose of intoxication but for other purposes and if this alcohol is not made from grapes or dates, then such food and drink items are permissible.

In general, it is correct to adopt the first opinion under normal circumstances.

However, if in a certain region, the consumption of specific items containing alcohol becomes common practice among the Muslim public and Ulama (scholars), then its use will not be considered sinful.

Answered by: Mubashir Attari (AskMufti Scholar)

Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari

Translated answer

Date: 16th May 2024