Alcohol In Medicine

In principle, the usage of medicines which contain any Haram substances will be impermissible. However, the scholars have permitted the use of such medicines when prescribed by an expert Muslim doctor with the surety or great hope that the medicine will cure the sick, and that there are no (Halal non-alcoholic) alternatives available for the respective disease.

However, as far as “synthetic alcohol” (chemically-prepared alcohol generally used as a preservative, made in laboratories, and which is used in medicines nowadays) is concerned, although many contemporary Ulema-e-Kiraam have permitted its usage in medicines due to Umoom-e-Balwa (the general masses are so involved and indulged in its usage that it has become unavoidable), we would still advise and recommend the questioner to abstain from this type of alcohol especially if other non-alcoholic alternatives are available.