Fatwa #3688422 October 2016Oman
Can I use markers which contain alcohol?
Question
assalamualaikum,
I am a lecturer teaching in a college. We have to use White board markers for teaching. The markers PENTEL MAXIFLO which we are provided with, seem to contain ETHYL AND ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL.So the question is,
Is it permissable to use them.
We have no other options as most of the markers available in the market have alcohol based ink.Sometimes this ink touches our hands and clothes.Is it impure?
The ink in the marker is in a very less quantity, maybe 20-40 ml
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The ruling of ethyl alcohol will depend on its source. If it is derived from grapes or dates, then it is impure. However, if it is derived from other sources besides dates or grapes, then it is pure. As such, a general ruling cannot be given on all products containing ethyl alcohol.[1] The ruling of isopropyl alcohol is that it is pure due to it being synthetically produced.[2]
The ethyl alcohol used in markers aren’t usually derived from grapes or dates.[3] Thus, it will be permissible to use such markers. Furthermore, the ink from the marker will not affect the purity of one’s self or clothes.[4]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Abdullah ibn Mohammed Aijaz
Student Darul Iftaa
Baltimore, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
[3] https://www.pelikanartline.com.au/pdf/sds-pentel-maxiflo-.pdf
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2011-05/1306520931.Ch.r.html
[4] And normally the alcohol used in medicines, perfumes, etc. is not extracted from grapes and dates, rather it is derived from seeds, honey, chemicals, petrol, etc.” (Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim Sharh Sahih Muslim, 3/608)