In Islam, certain food products are prohibited, and Muslims need to be aware of this. Violating these laws can cause various harms to a Muslim. Alcohol vinegar is at the heart of discussions. On one hand, it contains alcohol, while on the other, it is available in stores. In this article, let’s explore together whether alcohol vinegar is Haram in Islam.

Is alcohol vinegar Haram?

Alcohol vinegar raises many questions within Islam, especially since it is found in stores, just as is the case with nutmeg, or pectin gelling agent: is it Haram? The inquiries mainly focus on vinegar that contains a certain proportion of alcohol.

According to Sheikh, there is no disagreement among scholars regarding wine if it transforms by itself into vinegar. Scholars agree in this case that the consumption of vinegar is permitted. Indeed, vinegar derived from wine is permissible. However, it must be transformed through treatment or by itself.

On the other hand, when we speak of vinegar derived from wine, it refers to vinegar in both a linguistic and religious sense. According to Aisha, the Prophet said: “What a good condiment vinegar is!” In other words, this hadith makes no distinction between vinegar derived from wine and that which has been manufactured directly.

Why is alcohol vinegar halal? Here is a precise explanation

It is no longer wine after the transformation, as this act of transformation or acetification changes the taste from bitter to sour. This explains the existence of a certain degree of alcohol, which is not sufficient. Indeed, one settles for just the appearance of acidity. Moreover, according to Noble Sheikh, not all alcohols lead to intoxication. For example, orange pulp contains some alcohol that is not intoxicating. Based on all these facts, vinegar is healthy and good. The permission for consumption can be found in verses of the Quran.

In the Quran, in the translation of the meaning of verse 5 of Surah Al Maida, it is written: “All good and pure food is now permitted for you.” In the translation of verse 157 of Surah Al Araf, it is stated: “[…] who declares lawful for them what is good.”

However, some disagree in the case where vinegar has transformed through treatment. According to Imam Ahmed, Imam Malik, and Imam Ash Shafi’i, wine does not become pure if a person adds something to it to make vinegar.