Selling non-alcoholic beverages
Question:-
What is the ruling in regards to non-alcoholic beverages? Are we as Muslims permitted to sell and consume ‘Castle free beer’ which is considered to be an ‘alcohol free beverage?’
Answer:-
According to the internet, ‘Castle free’ is an alcoholic drink. According to South African legislation it can be labelled as ‘alcohol free’ due to it containing a minimal quantity of alcohol. The net states,
Castle Free complies with South African Legislation on labelling regulations to be called an alcohol-free beer because it contains less than 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV) of liquid (<0.05g/100ml).
The citizen newspaper states, “The brand is a beer without alcohol, and is targeted at men and women who are existing beer drinkers that want more freedom and choice, while enjoying beer without alcohol. Castle free is not for sale to any person under the age of 18.”
This excerpt clearly indicates that the drink serves as an alternative for alcoholics who perhaps wish to lessen and decrease their alcohol intake. In order to achieve some level of satisfaction, the drink definitely includes alcohol (for the pleasure of the alcoholic) even though it may be in minimal quantity. Secondly, if it was really an alcohol free drink then why are under 18’s restricted and barred from purchasing the drink? This again is a clear indication that the label stating that the drink is ‘alcohol free’ is nothing but deception.
The Fuqha (jurists) have stated, “That which intoxicates (a person) in large quantity is Haraam even if consumed in minimal quantity, It is also considered as Najis (impure).” This is the view of Imaam Muhammad Rahimahullah and the Fatwa is issued on this view.
وعند محمد ما اسكر كثيره فقليله حرام وهو نجس ايضا قالوا : وبقول محمد ناخذ (شامي ص70 ج6 – الفتاوي الهنديه ص412 ج5)
In conclusion, purchasing, selling and transporting the above ‘beer’ will be considered as Haraam. This is once again a plot of the Kuffar to deceive and beguile the simple-minded Muslims that Haraam beer is permissible to consume, simply on the basis that they have labelled it as ‘alcohol free.’ Not long ago, there was a voice clip been circulated on social media which stated that pork was being served in a town of Saudi Arabia which was considered as a conservative area. Obviously, we are not here to verify the content of the post, and Allah alone knows the reality of the situation, but as the English proverb goes, ‘there is no smoke without fire’, hence it is not farfetched that the content could possibly be true.
For decades now, many so called ‘Muslim countries’ have been selling and consuming alcohol. Many openly serve Haraam wine whilst others serve beer and wine under the guise of ‘Alcohol free’ beverages. The enemies of Islam have realised that the destruction of the Ummah lies in the consumption of Haraam food and drinks, whereas we simple-minded Muslims naively view a Halaal sign and are satisfied that the product is 100% Halaal. May Allah Ta’ala guide the Ummah and protect us from the plots of the Kuffar.