What is the ruling on using perfume that contains cologne or alcohol?

Perfumes containing alcohol:

- If the percentage of alcohol is small (e.g., 5% or less), there is no harm in using them.

- If the percentage of alcohol is large, it is preferable not to use them except out of necessity, such as for sterilizing wounds, but we do not declare them forbidden.

- This is because the prohibition of intoxicants (khamr) was revealed concerning drinking, whereas their use for purposes other than drinking is a matter that requires consideration.

- The generality of Allah's saying, "So avoid it" (5:90), implies avoiding intoxicants in all circumstances, while the reason for the prohibition (inciting enmity and hatred, and hindering from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer) is specific to drinking.

- Conclusion: There is no problem with perfumes that contain a small percentage of alcohol, and those that contain a large percentage should preferably be avoided except out of necessity.