Praise be to Allaah.

No doubt alcohol is intoxicating, and contains this substance that makes people lose their minds. It says in the hadeeth, “Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is haraam (forbidden).” If this is the case, then alcohol is considered to be forbidden and to come under the heading of “khamr”(wine, etc.) which people drink for relaxation or enjoyment. Allaah has forbidden it and stated that it is a sin, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: ‘In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit’”

[al-Baqarah 2:219]

If sin is present and it is great, then it is forbidden. Undoubtedly this alcohol is harmful to the mind and body, and Allaah has forbidden everything that harms the body and mind, and saps the strength. Everything that is harmful to a person is not permitted, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And do not kill yourselves”

[al-Nisaa’ 4:29]

“and do not throw yourselves into destruction”

[al-Baqarah 2:195]

And because this is an extravagant waste of money, an action of the spendthrift which comes under the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayaateen (devils)

[al-Israa 17:27]

Using alcohol in ways other than drinking it may be permitted if small amounts are used, such as mixing it with perfumes that are used on clothes or the body, because it keeps them from spoiling, and because it keeps the clothes clean. This is OK, but drinking it is not permissible under any circumstances.