Are My Prayers Valid After Consuming Soft Drinks That May Contain Filth From Alcohol?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

On occasions, I consume soft drinks, such as cola, which may contain aromas extracted using alcohol—a practice that is prevalent nowadays. Typically, I follow the Hanafi view that deems such substances as not najis (filth). However, I occasionally forget to rinse my mouth after consuming these drinks before performing the Shafi‘i School’s prayer.

Consequently, I proceed with Shafi‘i ablution and prayer, having not cleansed my mouth from the remnants of the soft drink. The question arises: Is my prayer invalid, or can we assume that soft drinks with aromas extracted using alcohol fall under the category of “umum al-balwa” (unavoidable widespread affliction)?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

Following the rules of the Hanafi School about what constitutes filth, while praying and performing ablution according to the Shafi‘i School, does not result in talfiq (unacceptable implementation of conflicting view).

Most contemporary Shafi‘is advocate that the strict view of the Shafi‘i School concerning liquid intoxicants is nearly impossible to implement strictly in the modern world. Therefore, even according to the Shafi‘i scholars, the possible trace amounts of alcohol (or related chemicals) used in producing many products are overlooked and not considered filth, based on the principle of unavoidable widespread affliction, and Allah knows best.

Your prayers are, therefore, valid in this regard, and Allah knows best.

Shafi‘i School on Liquid Intoxicants

According to the dominant view of the Shafi‘i School, najasa or ritualistic filth includes wine and any liquid intoxicants. [Nawawi, Minhaj al-Talibin]

Practical Application of Rulings of Najasa in the Modern Era

In the modern era, denatured ethanol is widely used in products such as fruit juice, paint, ink, hand cleaners, soaps, creams, and lotions. This widespread usage means that strict adherence to the original dominant view of the Shafiʿi School is challenging, if not impossible.

Generally, contemporary Shafi’i scholars do not practice or advocate practicing strictly according to the School’s dominant view but recommend general precaution where possible, “while it is religiously more precautionary to treat them as filth.” [Keller, Reliance of the Traveller]

Contemporary Shafiʿi scholars have and continue to encourage practice according to alternative views. See this answer.

Wholesome Lifestyle Considerations

While ensuring the validity of prayers is important, prioritizing healthier and purer food and drink choices reflects adherence to Islamic teachings on well-being. Consuming halal and beneficial alternatives aligns with the principles of both jurisprudence and personal care.

Conclusion

Your prayers remain valid when adhering to the Hanafi view on impurity while performing the Shafi‘i prayer, particularly considering the principle of “umum al-balwa.” May Allah (Most High) grant us success in our worship and daily choices.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.