‘The Hanafi school of Islam, which accounts for around 40% of Muslims (including Turkey), does not prohibit ethanol, but intoxication, based on a different interpretation of the operative word, khamr, although the other three schools prohibit both ethanol and intoxication. One of the two great scholars of the Hanafi school, Abu Yusuf, drank a mildly alcoholic malt beverage, which was at the time used to provide energy.[SUP]’
**Can someone shed some light on this?
**
[/SUP]
Re: Alcohol question.. Is this true?
Salam
**According to the Hanafi Mazhab, alcohols are divided into 2 groups Khamr and non Khamr. Khamr can be said to be alcohol derived from dates and grapes while non-khamr is alcohol not derived from any of these two.
The ruling regarding Khamr is that even the most minuscule amount of it is haraam, regardless of whether it intoxicates or not, while the ruling considering other alcohols is that only that amount is haraam which intoxicates. A small amount which doesn’t cause intoxication is not haraam.**
**The only condition is that it must not be drunk for amusement and pastime in a manner resembling that of the fussaaq (major sinners). If it is drank to gain strength, to digest the food, for medical reasons etc then it is permissible as long as it does not intoxicate. **
**…it would be permitted to use the various types of perfumes, deodorants and creams that contain alcohol due to the fact that the alcohol contained in them is from other than grapes, dates and barley or it is a synthetic alcohol (formulated from chemical substances) and not the khamr (wine) that is absolutely impermissible and filthy.
**
Source
Insha’Allah, it’s more clear now.
Re: Alcohol question.. Is this true?
This is exactly what I asked in this thread. Thanks for the answer bro.
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/religion-and-scripture/523080-halal-sharaab.html
Re: Alcohol question.. Is this true?
Peace
This is not the understaning that I have got for Khamr and Non- Khamr. Rather the understanding which should be prevalent is whether if the substance is fermenting or non fermenting. Since wine and beer contain agents that continue fermenting they are considered najis and haram to drink. Since, other forms of alcohol that means distilled alcohols and chemical produced ones do not continue fermenting then they are not najis … But are still haram …
The only case where the consumption of these alcohols is permitted is for medical reasons.
It is now proven that alcohols are toxic and hence the rulings need to be modified to treat alcohol as though it is a poison. Poisons in small quantities are often used as medicines.
I’ve just realised that my take is not too different from what has already been stated … 
Re: Alcohol question.. Is this true?
Thus if you see the answers we give, we clearly state that alcohols made from things other than dates and grapes are permissible as long as they are in such a small amount that couldn't intoxicate eg. most softdrinks contain minuscule amounts of ethanol, however this is classified as permissible as even if one drinks so much of a particular softdrink that he cannot possibly drink a sip more, even the person with the lowest alcohol tolerance would not become intoxicated.
by mufti Ebrahim Desai
Re: Alcohol question.. Is this true?
There is no real beneficial medicinal use of 'ethanol' for drinking purpose. It is used in some eixirs or syrups for cough or sleep-aid. All can be avoided without problem or need.