Is it allowed to sell perfumes that contain alcohol? I am planning to start such business so I need to clear my mind first.
Answer
(Fatwa: 1260/837/D=1432)
It is lawful to buy and sell perfumes containing alcohol due the following reasons:
(1) Usually the alcohol that is mixed in the perfume is made of things that are not equivalent to khamar (alcoholic beverage) which is haram as per the holy Quran according to Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمة الله عليه).
(2) There is the probability that the nature of the substance changes after it undergoes the chemical process.
(3) It is used by the majority of people.
Note: If it is known that the alcohol mixed in a perfume is made of grapes or dates, then the use of that perfume and its dealing will not be lawful.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband