Is Wine Vinegar Halal? - Halal Incorp

Is Wine Vinegar Halal?

Edited By Staff Writer, Halal Incorp

Wine vinegar is typically considered Halal in the Islamic faith.

However, it originates from wine but the fermentation process changes the alcohol into acetic acid, removing its intoxicating elements.

Many Islamic theologians and Halal certification providers approve vinegar, including wine derived versions, as ok to consume.

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The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that vinegar is a beneficial food. However, some Islamic scholars discuss whether wine vinegar made intentionally from alcohol still remains Halal.

To make sure adherence to Islamic guidelines, Muslims should search for Halal certified labels or speak to knowledgeable scholars in their community where possible.

Is Wine Vinegar Halal? Original Picture By Georges Seguin (Okki)

In essence, if the transformation (istihalah) is complete & no intoxicating aspects are left behind then the wine vinegar is seen to be Halal as well as permissible.

We visited Islam Question & Answer & found the following:

“What is vinegar?

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.

Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “What a good food vinegar is.” (Reported by Muslim, 3/1623)

Ruling on wine made from vinegar

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, according to the consensus of the scholars, because of the hadith quoted above.

But if the wine has become vinegar because of deliberate treatment, by adding vinegar, onions, salt etc., or by any other process, in this case the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) differ as to whether it is permissible.

The Shafi’is, Hanbalis and some of the Malikis say that it is not permissible to deliberately change wine to vinegar because then it is not pure. The evidence for this is the hadith of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked whether wine could be changed to be used as vinegar. He said, ‘No.’” (Reported by Muslim).

Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about some orphans who had inherited some wine. He said, “Pour it away.” He was asked, “Could they not make it into vinegar?” He said, “No.” (Reported by Muslim).”