Purity: Ruling on Using Alcohol in Atropine Sulfate Spray for Defense Purposes

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Purity: Ruling on Using Alcohol in Atropine Sulfate Spray for Defense Purposes

English:

Question #309:

I make atropine sulfate spray and alcohol is an essential ingredient in its formulation, that is, if we do not add alcohol to the compound, it is not possible to prepare the spray. This spray is considered a counter weapon that can protect the Islamic forces from chemical weapons. Is it permissible in your opinion to use alcohol in preparing medicines in the above-mentioned manner?

Answer #309:

If the alcohol is intoxicating and originally liquid, it is ḥarām and by obligatory caution najis, but to use it for making the medicine does not involve any problem.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Ruling of Intoxicants