Mouthwash containing alcohol

Q: A person has developed what dentists think to be a viral infection in the mouth. The treatment consists of a mouthwash containing alcohol. (not derived from grapes or kajoor) Is this permissible to use?

A: If it is for the purpose of treatment that one has to gargle with it and spit it out, it will be permissible. However if there is an adequate substitute that does not contain alcohol, it will be better.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)