Prayer TimesThe sanitary-epidemiological authorities require the use of antiseptics to disinfect dangerous bacteria, viruses, and microbes. Nowadays, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, antiseptics are widely used in almost all institutions, shopping centers, and even homes. Since the main ingredient in antiseptics is alcohol, this has raised questions among Muslims.
According to the views of Abu Hanifa and Abu Yusuf, it is permissible to use alcohol derived from sources other than grapes and dates for antiseptic purposes. It is known that modern medical alcohol is not produced from grapes or dates.
The liquid used as an antiseptic, or medical alcohol, is not considered najis (impure). Not everything that is haram is necessarily najis. For example, narcotics and poison are haram, but they are still considered pure. Perfumes containing alcohol and other alcohol-based liquids that come into contact with the body or clothing are not considered impure, and it is not obligatory to wash the area they touch.
If special antiseptic products or medical alcohol are not available, the Shariah permits the use of alcoholic beverages as antiseptics in cases of necessity. However, since alcoholic beverages are considered najis, it is required to wash any area that comes into contact with them before performing prayer.
Hasan AMANKUL,
Deputy Head of the Department of Shariah and Fatwa
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.