No harm in using sanitizers before namaz, say clerics & community elders

Nagpur: Amid a controversial decision against the use of alcohol-based sanitizers inside Masjids by an Islamic group in Uttar Pradesh, city clerics and religious bodies have clarified that the use of hand sanitizers can be permitted without violating any shariah laws.

As sanitizers contain alcohol, which is forbidden in Islam, community members and imams were in doubt about its use even though Masjids are yet to open in Maharashtra.

Clerics have started issuing advisories regarding personal hygiene and protocol as and when the government permits opening of religious places.

Islamic scholar Maulana Abdullah Mazahiri said talks about sanitizers being haram (forbidden) are only confusing people. “We have consulted our higher institutions in Deoband and have got it clarified that there is no harm in using sanitizers. The alcohol they contain is not najayaz (illegitimate). It is common knowledge that alcohol is also used in perfumes and medicines. The same type of alcohol is used in sanitizers,” he said.

Hamid Qureshi, secretary of Jamiat Islahul Muslameen, said Quran has forbidden consumption of alcohol while the sanitizer is for maintaining personal hygiene to kill any virus. “Still, those having doubts have the option of washing their hands with soap for more than 20 seconds instead of the quick solution,” he said.

Jamiat Ulema Hind’s Maulana Masood Ahmed suggested that it is better to use soap or wash hands before establishing namaz. “This completely rules out the contentious issue of alcohol,” he said, adding that several health advisories have been issued discouraging excessive use of sanitizers.

Jamiat Ulema Hind Nagpur district’s Maulana Siraj Ahmed said Darul Deoband has issued a fatwa on the use of sanitizers made from vegetables and fruits. “Such sanitizers can be used for hygiene purpose before namaz. One must try to find out the contents to reassure oneself,” he said.


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