‘I was shocked’: alcohol-free drinks create conundrum for young Muslims (2024)

When 20-year-old Hibah Dannaoui started working as a waitress, she was surprised to discover a new category of drinks: non-alcoholic beverages that are meant to imitate the taste of alcohol. A practising Muslim, Dannaoui has never consumed alcohol.

“I was actually shocked and didn’t understand the concept behind it, since they can make a normal drink,” she says. “I didn’t consume it and will not, since I’m a Muslim.”

She says she is sceptical that these drinks could avoid contamination with alcohol. “I would rather stay away from these ‘non-alcoholic’ beers. Even naming it is uncomfortable for me.”

According to the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research at La Trobe University, the number of 18-24-year-old Australians who don’t drink has doubled in the past 20 years.

Given this, it is perhaps not surprising that the growth of the non-alcoholic drinks category outpaced that of alcoholic drinks, with the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis showing the volume of low- and no-alcohol drinks growing by 2.9% in 2020, while regular alcohol experienced a slight volume decline.

Every month is “dry July’’ for Muslims. However, rather than increasing their options, the rise of zero-alcohol drinks created a conundrum for many young Muslims.

According to Food Standards Australia, brands can label their products as “non-alcoholic’’ with anything less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.

But while drinks with 0.5% alcohol may be labelled non-intoxicating by Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Islam, like many other religions, has stricter rules for food and drink consumption. Bushra Nasir from Muslims Down Under explains: “The holy Qur’an describes different categories of foods, and alcohol falls under the category which is prohibited because it is harmful to the body, and that which is harmful to the body is harmful to the spirit.”

Thus, a drink that has 0.5% of alcohol is not halal – lawful or permissible. It would be like cooking your meat in a pan that has just been used to prepare pork.

While popular among many Australians who are cutting down on their alcohol consumption, zero-alcohol beer, wines and spirits are rarely marketed for people who have never drunk before.

Noura Hijazi, a 19-year-old Muslim, says: “I’ve actually never heard of non-alcoholic alcohol until now. I only recall beverages like ginger beer …

“I wouldn’t really want to try it, first because there is no guarantee that it would be 100% alcohol-free, but also because I would find it a little weird.’’

Many non-alcoholic brands have noticed this untapped market, and have begun attempting to get halal certification for their drinks.

Online alcohol-free drink retailer Craftzero does carry some halal options. However, out of the 200-odd drinks it sells, only 14 are halal certified.

Sherif Goubran, director and co-founder of the store, says “these wines have been very popular … Although they are certified Halal, they have been consumed by non-halal buyers alike.”

When asked if he believes Muslims might be apprehensive about this style of drink, he says, “there are still so many people out there that are not aware of these products and their availability. I believe once they learn and understand more about these products, they will become more inclined to try them and enjoy them.”

There are several methods for making non-alcoholic drinks. One of the most common is through “ethanol distillation’’, whereby alcohol that is formed during a drink’s fermentation process is boiled away. Other ways to remove alcohol from alcoholic drinks includes reverse osmosis, where alcohol is pumped out with water. Processes such as this are generally not considered halal.

Monday Distillery, a Melbourne-based zero-alcohol drinks manufacturer, says it is in the early stages of investigating halal certification. Co-founder Haydn Farley says “we are working with a distribution partner who is importing our products to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Off the back of this, we are wanting to add halal certification as part of that expansion.”

Sydney-based Seadrift, which distils non-alcoholic spirits, says halal certification “is next on the list” for its business.

Seadrift founder Carolyn Whiteley says “we have designed our distillation process to carefully consider the needs of all consumers, particularly those who don’t want any alcohol in the process”.

Whiteley says that creating a manufacturing process that does not involve fermentation at all, and is thus more likely to allow certification, “was a benefit to us anyway, because we wanted something that was extremely low in sugar”.

Whiteley views the rise of zero-alcohol options such as hers as “really encouraging a very positive shift”.

“There’s so many fabulous options coming on to the market that really are providing a huge amount of alternatives for so many people.”

She says this feeds into “the idea that you don’t have to be drinking, it’s becoming much more socially acceptable. And actually, that social acceptance is what’s going to have a massive impact on society. And that, you know, is a really positive thing that we can change.”

But for Hijazi the need for an alternative at all seems like another side of the same coin. “I feel like the drinking culture is something I wouldn’t really want to participate in,” she says. “Even if it would be alcohol-free.”

‘I was shocked’: alcohol-free drinks create conundrum for young Muslims (2024)

FAQs

‘I was shocked’: alcohol-free drinks create conundrum for young Muslims? ›

I was actually shocked and didn't understand the concept behind it, since they can make a normal drink,” she says. “I didn't consume it and will not, since I'm a Muslim.” She says she is sceptical that these drinks could avoid contamination with alcohol. “I would rather stay away from these 'non-alcoholic' beers.

Are Muslims allowed to drink non-alcoholic drinks? ›

Unless there is no alcohol inside the beer, all non-alcoholic drinks are without a doubt Haram or forbidden for Muslims to drink.

What is the reasons why Muslims don't drink alcohol? ›

Drinking alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam. As proof of the prohibition, Islamic scholars and Muslim religious authorities typically point to a verse in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, that calls intoxicants “the work of Satan” and tells believers to avoid them.

Can Muslims drink non-alcoholic wine? ›

Khamr refers to substances that cause intoxication, and since non-alcoholic wine lacks alcohol, it doesn't possess intoxicating properties. Therefore, non-alcoholic wine doesn't fall under the category of Khamr, making it permissible for Muslims to consume, provided it meets all other halal requirements and guidelines.

What do Muslims drink instead of alcohol? ›

We take a look at some of the refreshing, thirst-quenching drinks associated with Ramadan from across the region.
  • Jallab. Jallab is a drink popular in the Levant region, including Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. ...
  • Qamar al-Din. ...
  • Tamarind. ...
  • Erk al-sous. ...
  • Carob juice.
Apr 4, 2022

Can Muslims drink 0% alcohol beer? ›

Additionally, non-alcoholic beers are often brewed with other ingredients such as hops and grain, which are both considered halal. However, technically, if they contain any alcohol at all, however minimal, it will be considered haram.

Is Heineken 0.0 alcohol-free halal? ›

We wish to again clarify that Heineken 0.0 is non-halal and is only targeted at non-Muslims, aged 21 and above,” Heineken Malaysia said in a statement.

What percentage of Muslims don't drink? ›

It appears that 30 percent of older Muslims who were 50 years and over reported drinking alcohol. Conversely, 85 percent of young Muslims under 25 years old were living alcohol-free.

What percentage of alcohol is not haram? ›

THE PERCENTAGE MATTERS

The level of ethanol percentages that naturally occurs from fermentation is also used as a guideline by JAKIM (Malaysian Halal Authority) for the halal certification process for beverages. The ethanol percentage allowed is set below one per cent.

Why is vinegar halal? ›

Summary of answer. 1- Vinegar is a well-known basic foodstuff, made from wine of which the composition has changed so that it is no longer sweet but is acidic or sour. 2- When wine turns to vinegar by itself, without any deliberate treatment needed for it to be changed, it is permissible to eat, drink and handle.

What can Muslims use instead of wine? ›

For red wine substitute chicken broth or beef broth or grape juice or even tomato juice. Cooks can also combine grape juice with chicken or beef broth.

Can Muslims drink sparkling water? ›

Plenty of beverages are completely acceptable for Halal-minded consumers – fruit juice, sparkling water, coffee, tea, soymilk, almond milk, and milk from cows, goats, or camels, for example.

Why can't Muslims wear gold? ›

Gold contains rays which pass through body skin and influence blood cells. This is quite true for men (2). But it does not apply to the women because there is a layer of fat between the skin and flesh in women, which does not exist in men.

Can Muslims drink coffee? ›

Coffee isn't forbidden, but it presents unique challenges during the month of daylong fasts. Because Muslims eat only during dark hours during Ramadan, drinking coffee can mess with already-fragile sleep schedules.

Is alcohol mentioned in the Quran? ›

It is believed that the Quran forbids alcohol because it harms one's health, can lead to addiction and disrupts society. A general warning was given to prohibit Muslims from attending prayers in a drunken state (Quran, 4:43).

How is 0.5 alcohol free? ›

To give you some context, a pint (568ml) of 1% ABV beer contains just over half a unit of alcohol[1], which is why 0.05% ABV drinks can be labelled as alcohol-free. But across Europe and in the USA, 'alcohol-free' means anything under 0.5% ABV, so imported products can be labelled differently.

Can Muslims drink kombucha? ›

Despite the fact that kombucha contains a very low amount of alcohol, Muslims consider kombucha halal because the alcohol is produced as a by-product in the fermentation process of the tea. This is a totally natural process that produces such a small amount of alcohol it would not be intoxicating.

Does Heineken 0.0 alcohol have alcohol? ›

As stated on its label, Heineken® 0.0 has an alcohol by volume of 0.0% and is classified as alcohol free per the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

Can Muslims drink 0.0% Heineken? ›

Is non-alcoholic beer halal or haram? The simple answer is – non-alcoholic beer is haram, not halal, because it has a small amount of alcohol. The Qur'an forbids it, so all non-alcoholic beer should be avoided by devoted Muslims.

What type of alcohol is halal? ›

Any ethanol produced by anaerobic fermentation and ranging between 1 and 15% is considered to be Haram (non-Halal, Forbidden), whereas ethanol produced by natural fermentation and less than 1% is considered as preserving agent and its Halal status is allowed.

Is vodka Haram in Islam? ›

However, the dominant belief in Islam is that, not only is the consumption of alcohol in any of its forms forbidden, but Muslims should avoid even indirect association with alcohol.

Which religion drinks the most alcohol in the world? ›

There is perhaps no religion that loves alcohol as much as the Japanese Shinto religion, which reveres sake as the most sacred of drinks—the “liquor of the gods.” The god of sake is also the god of rice and the harvest, so drinking sake is associated with a bountiful and blessed harvest.

Which religion drinks the least alcohol? ›

Buddhism. Observant Buddhists typically avoid consuming alcohol (surāmerayamajja, referring to types of intoxicating fermented beverages), as it violates the 5th of the Five Precepts, the basic Buddhist code of ethics and can disrupt mindfulness and impede one's progress in the Noble Eightfold Path.

Do Turkish Muslims drink alcohol? ›

Turkey is a secular country, and even though the majority of the Turkish population is Muslim, the consumption of alcohol both in public and in private is very common.

Is drinking wife milk is haram in Islam? ›

From this it is clear that drinking one's wife's milk has no effect and does not create the relationship of mahram. Ibn Qudamah said in al-Mughni (9/201): “One of the conditions of breastfeeding creating the relationship of mahram is that it should be within the first two years.

Why is bread not halal? ›

Among the questionable materials of its halal status commonly used as anticaking agents are E542 (edible bone phosphate, derived from animal bones), E570 (acid stearate) and E572 (magnesium stearate). Stearic acid can be derived from plants or from animals.

Can Muslims eat food cooked with alcohol? ›

Halal consumers should simply not cook with alcohol. In addition, for multiple reasons, it's not advised for Muslims to bring alcohol into their homes for cooking. When eating in restaurants, Halal consumers are advised to ask if the food contains alcohol and to avoid it.

Is it halal to eat sushi? ›

So, for halal people, before buying sushi, make sure that the sushi you buy does not contain mirin. Because if the sushi contains mirin, it will make the sushi haram because it contains alcohol. Now to be even more secure, #Insanhalal can also ensure the existence of a halal label at the sushi restaurant.

Why is soy sauce haram? ›

Soy sauce is made from soy beans which are vegetables. But since their is alcohol content in soy sauce it can be considered Haram, but the alcohol content in soy sauce is so little, little enough that you can consume 7 liters and don't get drunk, sick surely but not drunk or tipsy. It is considered Halal.

Can Muslims drink apple cider? ›

Generally, Any beverage labelled "cider" is certainly alcoholic and is not Halal.

Can Muslims eat marshmallows? ›

Foods like jellybeans, marshmallows, and other gelatin-based foods also typically contain pork byproducts and are not considered Halal. Even products like vanilla extract and toothpaste can contain alcohol! Muslims will generally not eat meat that has also come in contact with pork.

Are Muslims allowed white wine? ›

The Islamic community clearly states that wine is haram/ prohibited by 'default'.

Can Muslims use wine glasses? ›

Answer. Praise be to Allah. It is better for a Muslim to avoid using vessels that are used in the cooking of pork and drinking of alcohol, but if he cannot find anything else then it is permissible for him to use them on condition that he wash them with water before use.

Do Muslims drink Gatorade? ›

Gatorade, G2 or Endurance Formula are not Halal suitable. We hope this information helps.

Can Muslims drink Mountain Dew? ›

Dew products are now proudly certified halal.

Why is 7UP not halal? ›

Is 7UP suitable for Halal or Kosher diets? We don't manufacture products specifically for such diets, therefore our products in their sold states do not hold a recognised certification of conformity.

Can Muslims wear diamonds? ›

In addition, Islam prohibits Muslims from possessing diamonds and colored gemstones (as well as gold, silver, pearls, and so on) in any forbidden form, such as statues, icons, dinnerware and vessels (for gold and silver), and men's jewelry (excepting a silver ring or sword hilt) (see Is There Zakat on Jewelry?).

Are birthdays haram in Islam? ›

Responding to a query posed by a woman, the country's biggest Islamic seminary observed that the tradition to celebrate birthdays was started by the Jews and Christians, but Islam does not permit this practice.

Is wearing gold teeth haram in Islam? ›

According to him, it is haraam (forbidden) for a man to wear gold or adorn himself with it. “With regard to women, if it is customary for women to adorn themselves with gold teeth, then there is nothing wrong with them doing that.

Can Muslims smoke tobacco? ›

Though tobacco or smoking in general is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or hadith, contemporary scholars have condemned it as potentially harmful, and have at times prohibited smoking outright (declared it haram) as a result of the severe health damage that it causes.

Is All Chocolate is halal? ›

Because chocolate is a plant-derived food item or ingredient, it is generally considered halal.

Can Muslims drink soda? ›

There is nothing wrong in having soft drinks such as Coca Cola as long as they do not contain alcohol.

Can Muslims have dogs? ›

Dogs in Islam, as they are in Rabbinic Judaism, are conventionally thought of as ritually impure. This idea taps into a long tradition that considers even the mere sight of a dog during prayer to have the power to nullify a pious Muslim's supplications.

Can Muslims listen to music? ›

According to the Irish Times, "a majority of Muslims" follow the view taken by modern scholars such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi that music is forbidden "only if it leads the believer into activities that are clearly defined as prohibited, such as drinking alcohol and illicit sex".

Why can't Muslims eat pork? ›

Unlike many other forms of livestock, pigs are omnivorous scavengers, eating virtually anything they come across, including carrion and refuse, which was deemed unclean. Furthermore, a Middle Eastern society keeping large stocks of pigs could destroy their ecosystem.

What are Muslims not allowed to drink? ›

However, the dominant belief in Islam is that, not only is the consumption of alcohol in any of its forms forbidden, but Muslims should avoid even indirect association with alcohol.

Is it halal to go to a bar but not drink? ›

Drinking (liquor) is forbidden in Islam and when being with others who are drunk, you are obligated to leave until they are back conscious, being in a place if drinking, even when not drinking is bad because simply being in the position of being able to drink will eventually lead to you drinking it's a fact, plus, if ...

Which drinks are halal? ›

Halal drinks are beverages that abide by certain dietary laws in the religion of Islam. Most beverages are halal provided they do not contain certain additives like alcohol or pork products. Cleanliness in preparing the drinks is also important. Types of halal drinks include water, milk, and fruit or vegetable juices.

What percent of Muslims drink alcohol? ›

Approximately 46.6% of Muslim students reportedly consumed alcohol in the past year, compared to 80.7% of their non-Muslim counterparts. All of the 46.6% reported at least one episode of binge drinking in the past year.

Can Muslims drink red wine? ›

The Islamic community clearly states that wine is haram/ prohibited by 'default'.

Can Muslims go to club? ›

For the majority of Muslims – even those who smoke weed, go to clubs and have sex – alcohol still remains one of those taboos you can't quite shake off. Which makes going to pubs a weird, awkward and, in some cases, even slightly traumatising experience.

What is the minimum alcohol halal? ›

Hence, in juice considered as halal due to lower of alcohol content. While cider or alcoholic beverage is haram due to above alcohol level permitted which is above of the 1%. Besides, cider vinegar or vinegar is halal by the interpretation of hadith of permissible conversion from alcoholic to vinegar itself.

Why is lunch bar not halal? ›

Sanha has declared three Cadbury chocolates – including Lunch Bar, Chomp and PS – contain Tartaric Acid / Cream of Tartar derived from wine sources which are not permissible in Islam. “Thus, it has not been approved by Sanha; kindly exercise caution,” the halaal body said.

Can Muslims drink Gatorade? ›

Gatorade, G2 or Endurance Formula are not Halal suitable. We hope this information helps.

Is Coca Cola halal or haram? ›

No. But the ingredients and manufacturing processes used by The Coca‑Cola Company are rigorously regulated by government and health authorities in more than 200 countries, including many where Islam is the majority religion. All of them have consistently recognised Coca‑Cola as a non-alcoholic product. Did you know?

Do Muslims drink milk? ›

The Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (S) said: “Drinking milk is manifestation of belief and credence. Milk is bestowed to you. Milk removes temperature from your body.

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