What is the ruling on using a spirit-based (alcoholic) impure shoe polish if it touches clothing, and what alternative is available?
The alcohol in wine is impure (najis), so if it mixes with the components of the polish before undergoing a transformation, the polish becomes impure. However, if the alcohol undergoes a complete transformation (istiḥālah) before mixing, it becomes pure because its intoxicating quality is removed. It is permissible to polish shoes with impure polish, because it is permissible to benefit from impure things except for human consumption and in mosques. One should not pray with these impure shoes. It does not harm if dry clothes touch it; but if it is wet and the clothes become stained, they must be purified. Any other substance that achieves the purpose and is not forbidden by Islamic law can be used as an alternative.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 98156
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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