Why are “non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits” still considered non-halal food?

According to the MUIS Fatwa Committee, there are two reasons: first, even if the product has a very low alcohol content (below 0.5%) or zero, or its alcohol has been removed, its manufacturing process resembles that of alcoholic drinks, so it is still forbidden (even though it would not cause intoxication); second, these products are sold in a manner similar to alcoholic drinks, and Halal regulations — based on the principle of sadd al-dhara'i‘ (blocking the means to the haram) — prohibit similar events that may lead to forbidden activities. A product meeting one or both criteria is considered non-halal.

Why Are “Non-Alcoholic Drinks (Wine, Beer, Spirits)” Considered Non-Halal?

The MUIS Fatwa Committee explains that non-alcoholic versions of wine, beer and spirits are considered non-halal because their manufacturing process resembles that of alcohol and they are sold in a manner similar to alcoholic drinks, which the principle of sadd al-dhara'i‘ (blocking the means to the haram) prohibits.

The MUIS Fatwa Committee states:

1) Even if the product contains a low alcohol content (below 0.5%) and/or zero alcohol content, and/or its alcohol has been removed, the product's manufacturing process is similar to the manufacture of alcohol. Therefore, even though the small amount of alcohol in the product would not make a person drunk, it is still forbidden.

2) These products are sold in a manner similar to alcoholic drinks. Halal regulations prohibit similar events, or events that may lead to forbidden activities, even if in their natural state they are permissible. This is consistent with the principles of Halal.

Therefore, a product that meets the first or second criterion, or both, is considered non-halal food for Muslim consumption.

1. Khamr – an intoxicating drink containing ethanol and other components such as methanol, acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate, which is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates, or drinks containing ethanol and/or methanol as an ingredient.

2. Sadd al-dhara'i‘ means, literally, “blocking the means” to undesirable ends — in other words, forbidding what is likely to lead to the haram. The basis of this principle is contained in the Quran, where Allah says: “Do not swear at those who call on other gods than Allah, so that they will then swear at Allah in enmity, without any knowledge…” (Q.6:108). Allah has thus made it haram to swear at the gods of others, to avoid them cursing back at Allah. Another example usually highlighted by past scholars like Imam An-Nawawi is the issue of accepting and giving gifts for officials. Even though the act of giving a gift itself is in essence virtuous, hence permissible, scholars clearly discouraged those holding official posts from accepting gifts from the public, as it could be perceived as a bribe. Please refer to: al-Asyqar, Sulayman ‘Abdullah, al-Wadih fi Usul al-Fiqh (Amman: Dar al-Salam, 2001) 159.

FAQ

Why are “non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits” still considered non-halal food?: According to the MUIS Fatwa Committee, there are two reasons: first, even if the product has a very low alcohol content (below 0.5%) or zero, or its alcohol has been removed, its manufacturing process resembles that of alcoholic drinks, so it is still forbidden (even though it would not cause intoxication); second, these products are sold in a manner similar to alcoholic drinks, and Halal regulations — based on the principle of sadd al-dhara'i‘ (blocking the means to the haram) — prohibit similar events that may lead to forbidden activities. A product meeting one or both criteria is considered non-halal.

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