The concoction made from ginger is referred to as “ginger beer.” It’s a beverage characterized by its sweet and spicy taste. Its ingredients may or may not include alcohol, and it typically contains sugar cane and ginger root, among other things.

This beverage is prepared in two ways:

1. Alcoholic.
2. Non-alcoholic.

Its inception was in the 17th century in England. Then, over time, it became popular until it spread to different countries. As alcohol consumption was initially integral to it, Arab countries imposed restrictions on it, gradually reducing the alcohol content, and eventually, non-alcoholic beverages were systematically crafted. Its English name is “ginger beer,” but the word “beer” in its name is misleading, so it should be renamed.

Rulings:

Ginger beer that is free from alcohol is permissible (halal), and that which contains alcohol is forbidden (haram). The reason for the permissibility of the first type is that no forbidden substance is included, and the reason for the impermissibility of the second type is alcohol.

Arguments:

(1) The noble Messenger (peace be upon him) said:” Every intoxicating substance is forbidden, and whoever drinks alcohol in this world and dies without repenting from it will be deprived of the drink of paradise in the Hereafter. (Sahih Muslim) Since scholars have written that alcohol is also considered a drink just as it is mentioned in the famous dictionary “Feroz-ul-Lughat”: “Alcohol. Wine, spirit.” (116, Feroz and Sons, Lahore) Therefore, it has the same ruling as that of wine.

(2) Alcohol, spirits, and similar liquid intoxicants are impure and forbidden, drop by drop. (Fatawa Markaz E Tarbiyyat E Iftah, Volume 1, page 218)

(3) Alcohol-based beverages are never permitted. Firstly, their use is not necessary for survival, and secondly, there are non-alcoholic alternatives available everywhere, without the risk of harm. (Fatawa Europe O Bartania, p. 424)

(4) As we have established in our verdicts that spirits (alcohol), wine, and other alcoholic drinks are undoubtedly impure and forbidden, they are the most vile of drinks, akin to urine, therefore they are impure, filthy, and unclean. (Fatawa Razawiyya, Vol. 4, p. 542)

(5) Spirits are not only forbidden but also impure. (Razavi Islamic verdicts, Vol. 14, p. 383)

(6) All types of alcohol are absolutely forbidden and impure like urine. Whether it’s brandy, spirits, or any other form, whether it’s a major component or a minor one, whether it’s mixed in any way, consuming it is forbidden. (Fatawa Razawiyya, Vol. 24, p. 193)

Summary:

It is noteworthy that scholars have conducted extensive research on alcohol, leading to the discovery that alcohol is produced in two ways:

1. From dates and raisins.
2. By distilling various fruits, etc. (This is also called chemical alcohol.)

Regarding the first type, scholars unanimously agree that it is like wine, therefore its consumption is not permissible. The second type is different.

Two opinions exist regarding it:

1. Its consumption, in small or large quantities, is prohibited as it is also considered wine.
2. It is not prohibited until it causes intoxication, as it is not like wine until then. Their evidence is: “It is narrated from Ali that what is made from wheat, barley, honey, and dates is permissible according to Abu Hanifa.”

Therefore, the use of these substances in food and drink, in small quantities, is permissible.

The second evidence is that: “Thus, the ruling on alcoholic beverages, which are widespread today, is that if they are made from grapes or dates, there is no way to make them halal or pure.

If they are made from other substances, the matter is easy according to the school of Abu Hanifa, and their use is not prohibited for treatment or for other permissible purposes as long as the limit of intoxication is not reached, because they are used as mixtures with other substances, and their impurity is not judged by the saying of Abu Hanifa.

And most of the alcohol used today in medicines, perfumes, and others is not made from grapes or dates, but rather from grains, husks, petroleum, etc., as mentioned in the chapter on wine from the book of sales. And then there is a concession in taking the opinion of Abu Hanifa according to the contemporary al-Bulwi.”

The third evidence is that: “Alcohol, spirits, tonics, they are neither wine nor from those beverages upon which our Imams have unanimously agreed on prohibition.

Instead, they are from those beverages whose use, if it does not reach the level of intoxication, is permissible for valid purposes according to the limit of moderate intoxication near the sheikhs, and Imam Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, considers them also as wine and impure.”

And although the fatwa is based on the saying of Imam Muhammad, in this era, the use of alcoholic medicines is common among the public. Therefore, the consensus of contemporary scholars is that: “The use of alcoholic medicines mixed with alcohol up to the limit of moderate intoxication is permissible according to the practice and fatwa of the sheikhs.”

Though only medicines are mentioned in this evidence, since the use of alcohol mixed with other substances for valid purposes is permissible up to the limit of moderate intoxication, according to the consensus of the sheikhs, therefore the permissibility extends to other consumables in which it is used, and the intention is not intoxication, so the use of those substances is also permissible.

So much debate on alcohol has occurred because alcohol is considered a crucial component in ginger beer. Now that the explanation has been provided, the ruling can be deduced accordingly.

Allah knows best.