Usage Of Products Containing Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is a synthetically produced alcohol derived from sources other than grapes or dates There is a difference of opinion amongst the senior Hanafi Jurists with regards to the permissibility of using alcohol derived from sources other than grapes or dates.

Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Abu Yusuf Rahimahumallah have given permission for the usage of such alcohol. However, the fatwa is on the view of Imam Muhammad Rahimahullah who has rendered the usage of all types of intoxicants (be it of a grape/date derivative or not) as impermissible. Allamah Shaami Rahimahumallah has mentioned in his Fataawa:

“Imaam Muhammad Rahmatullaahi Alayhi has declared all types of liquor (i.e. liquor derived from honey, figs, etc. be it in small or large quantities) as haraam, and the fatwa and final ruling is based on this view.”
(Shaami vol.6 pg.454)

Based on the view of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahimahullah some contemporary scholars permit the usage of perfumes, creams etc. containing alcohol of non-grape and date origin in view of the fact that according to Imam Abu Hanifah such alcohol is Paak and permissible to use. These scholars cite that because of necessity and Umoom-e-Balwaa (public predicament; the general masses being so involved in its usage that it has become unavoidable) the fatwa should be on the view of Imam Abu Hanifah.
[Ahsanul Fataawa 95/2, Bahisti Zewar, 102/9, Takmilah Fathul Mulhim 608/3, Asre Haadhir ke Pecheedah Masaa’il aur unka Hal 461/2]

Be that as it may, we would however advocate against the usage of all alcohol based perfumes, creams etc. even if of a non-grape/date derivative, and this is in view of Allamah Shaami’s comments as to the view of Imam Muhammad, whereby he (Allaamah Shaami) writes in his juristic compilation:

“The fatwa in this age is based on the view of Imaam Muhammad Rahmatullaahi Alayhi due to the corruption and evil that could ensue as a result of legalising such types of liquor. This is due to the fact that the general trend is that  misguided people gather to consume these drinks for mere pleasure and frivolity….” Another reason for regarding this as the preferred view is to shut the door of the possibility of evil creeping in, due to laxity on this issue.”
[Shaami vol.6 pg.455]

Thus, caution would dictate that a person avoids using products containing any type of Alcohol. One should rather opt for other alcohol-free products which are commonly available in the marketplace.