In Islam, it is clear that intoxicating drinks are haram. The Quran states, “O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan; so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:90). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, “Every intoxicant is haram” (Bukhari, Wudu 73; Muslim, Drinks 64) and “Whatever causes intoxication in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also haram” (Abu Dawood, Drinks 5; Tirmidhi, Drinks 3), indicating that everything that intoxicates is prohibited.
Non-alcoholic beverages labeled as alcohol-free may contain a small amount of alcohol. While they are not intoxicating, the consumption of such drinks is viewed as problematic in Islamic law due to the principle of “sadd al-dhara’i” (blocking the means to haram). These drinks resemble alcoholic beverages in taste and appearance, which may lead individuals closer to consuming alcoholic drinks.
Based on the hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “What is lawful is clear, and what is unlawful is clear, and between them are doubtful matters that many people do not know. Whoever avoids the doubtful matters protects their religion and honor” (Bukhari, Faith 37; Muslim, Business Transactions 107), it is best to avoid doubtful drinks like non-alcoholic beer. Ultimately, there are many permissible beverages that Allah has made lawful, so it is unnecessary to turn to these questionable drinks. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned, “There will come a time when some of my followers will drink alcohol but will do so under another name” (Abu Dawood, Drinks 6; Nasai, Drinks 42), emphasizing the need for caution in this regard.