Is Vinegar Produced by Additives Impure?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr

Question 

In the Shafii school, vinegar produced by adding something to it is impermissible to consume. If such vinegar touches clothing, does that part become impure?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah reward you for seeking guidance.

Such vinegar is considered impure. If it comes into contact with clothing, the area in contact is considered impure. However, it would be prudent to adopt the Hanafi position on this issue.

According to the relied-upon view, grape vinegar produced by adding something to it is impermissible to consume. Since it is impermissible to consume, it is also considered impure.

Impure substances are defined as: “Any corporeal substance that is unrestrictedly impermissible to consume, not because of its sanctity, filth, or harm.” [Hisni, Kifayat al-Akhyar]

Khatib says, “If vinegar is produced by adding something to it, such as onions or warm bread, even before it becomes wine, it is not considered pure.” [Khatib, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Although this type of vinegar is deemed impure according to the relied-upon position in the Shafii school, Shafi‘i scholars typically do not adhere to the relied-upon (mu‘tamad) position of the School.

Allah Most High says, “Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.” [Quran, 2:185]

Likewise, our mother Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) related that whenever the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) was given a choice between two matters, he would choose the easier of the two, so long as it was not sinful. [Bukhari]

We ask Allah to grant us sound understanding of His religion and to make our worship a source of ease, tranquility, and closeness to Him.

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

[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life. 

In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari’ah Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.