What is the ruling on working in pharmacies and studying pharmacy given the presence of alcohol in small percentages in some medicines?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to seek treatment with medicine that contains alcohol, based on the of Tariq bin Suwaid al-Ju'fi that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said concerning intoxicants: "It is not a medicine, but rather a disease." However, its use is permissible out of necessity if there is no alcohol-free alternative medicine available that can substitute for it. If its use is permissible for the sick, then it is permissible for the pharmacist to sell it to the one in dire need. There is no harm in working in pharmacies or studying pharmacy if the Islamic legal guidelines are adhered to.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/88975
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 88975
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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