In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he strictly prohibited using alcohol as a remedy. When a companion named Suwayd ibn Tariq asked if alcohol could be used for treatment, the Prophet replied, “No, it is not a cure; rather, it is a disease itself” (Abu Dawud, “Tibb”, 11). In another narration, he stated, “Verily, Allah has created a cure for every disease. So seek treatment, but do not treat with what is unlawful” (Abu Dawud, “Tibb”, 11).
However, Islamic jurists have clarified that while generally, it is forbidden to use haram substances for treatment, there are exceptions in cases of dire necessity under specific conditions. These conditions are:
- The absence of treatment could result in a serious threat to one’s health or life,
- No suitable alternative medication is available, and all permissible methods have been sought,
- The medicine is recommended by a trustworthy and expert Muslim doctor (or a reliable doctor in the field).