What is the ruling on vinegar made from alcoholic beverages of all kinds, and is it obligatory to seek out and follow the decision of the Council of Muslim Scholars in a foreign country regarding this matter?

The jurists have agreed on the purity of wine (khamr (definition)) if it transforms into vinegar spontaneously. However, they differed on whether it becomes pure if it is transformed into vinegar through human intervention. The Shafi'is and Hanbalis, and one narration among the Malikis, hold that it does not become pure, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) hadith (definition): "He was asked about wine that is made into vinegar, and he said: 'No.'" The Hanafis and Malikis, however, maintained that it becomes pure absolutely, whether it transforms spontaneously or through human intervention, and this is what we have preferred.