[Q 468] Use of Alcohol-Based Deodorants

Question

Salaam is it permissible to use deodorants / aftershave that contains al denat?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

In the present time, many scholars (‘Ulama’) and jurists (Fuqahā’) have declared the use of externally applied products containing alcohol to be permissible due to ‘umoom-e-balwa’ (widespread public involvement) and haraj (hardship). Therefore, alcohol-based deodorants and perfumes, being for external use, are also permissible to apply. However, since some scholars prohibit even the external use of alcohol-containing substances, it is better to avoid them as a matter of caution.

The detailed explanation is as follows: Khamr (wine made from grapes) is unanimously (by ijma) haram (prohibited) and najis (impure). Regarding other types of alcoholic beverages besides khamr, there is a difference of opinion among the great imams. According to Imam Muhammad رحمه الله, all types of intoxicating drinks are najis (impure) and haram (forbidden) like khamr. However, according to Imam Aʿzam Abu Hanifa and Imam Abu Yusuf رحمهما الله, types of alcohol other than khamr are tāhir (pure) and halal (permissible) so long as they do not reach the level of intoxication.

Alcohol used today in external products is one of these other types of alcohol. Since in our time the general public is widely involved in the external use of alcohol-based items, and such issues call for leniency, therefore—due to ‘umoom-e-balwa’ and haraj—it is beneficial, less harmful, and easier for the Ummah to act upon the view of Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Abu Yusuf رحمهما الله. As A‘la Hazrat رحمه الله also issued a fatwa regarding the purity of alcohol-containing medicine, the fatwa of purity (taharah) of alcohol is appropriate. Hence, applying it and performing salah (prayer) afterward is also permissible, though avoiding it remains preferable, since some scholars still deem the use of alcohol-based external products as makruh (disliked) or impermissible. When there is scholarly difference, abstaining is better.

Note: If the alcohol used is khamr—i.e., produced from the fermented juice of grapes (though this is rare)—then its use is haram (forbidden) and sinful. In that case, if it comes into contact with clothing, it will render that part najis (impure).

Important Reminder: If the act of shaving the beard is ongoing (as implied in the question), then it must be remembered that according to Shari‘ah, it is wājib (obligatory) for men to keep a beard of one fist length. Shaving the beard or trimming it shorter than a fist is haram (prohibited) and a sinful act. Therefore, repentance (tawbah) from this is necessary, and it is wājib to keep the beard on the face in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم.

Answered by: Qazi Muteeb Attari (AskMufti Scholar)
Translated answer
Date: 25th October 2025
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