Is it permissible to study pharmacy and work in it, given my knowledge that medicines contain alcohol, and the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Seek medical treatment, but do not seek treatment with unlawful things"?
Studying pharmacology is a collective obligation (fard al-kifaya) due to the community's need for it. Working with medicines that contain alcohol is not a barrier, because not all medicines include alcohol, and in many of them, the alcohol is consumed (i.e., its intoxicating effect is negligible). This aims to encourage Muslims to specialize in pharmacy to produce alcohol-free medicines. It is permissible to use medicines that contain alcohol in consumed proportions out of necessity and upon the prescription of a trustworthy doctor. It is also permissible to use alcohol as an external disinfectant. The Islamic Fiqh Council recommends that pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists work to exclude alcohol from medicines and use alternatives. It also advises doctors to avoid prescribing medicines containing alcohol whenever possible.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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