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What is the validity of the statement that alcohol used in perfumes is not Khamr (intoxicant), and therefore is not considered Najis (impure)?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Alcohol, known as ethanol, which is formed from the fermentation of juice, is Khamr (intoxicant), even if toxic substances are added to it. Scholars differed regarding the ritual impurity (najāsa) of Khamr. The preferred view is that it is impure, which is the opinion of the majority of scholars. Others, such as Ibn ʿUthaymeen, consider it ritually pure. It is permissible to use it externally if it is pure. If it is impure, its use is permissible out of necessity, such as for medicinal purposes. In such a case, the area affected by the impurity must be washed before prayer.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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