We are used to drinking soft water in extreme heat. In this way, when I meet a friend or loved one, I greet him with a soft drink. But the question needs to be asked: Are soft drinks halal?
Because we Muslims follow a certain way of life, his name is Islam. Islam prescribes which drinks are acceptable and which are not. So, are soft drinks halal? Or is it haram? I am writing this article from that feeling.
Are soft drinks halal?
Yes, soft drinks are generally halal. Because of the soft drinks that are currently available in the market, no company is sure to make them with any haram ingredients. That is why it cannot be called haram clearly. But if the elements of a certain soft drink are definitely haram, then it must be haram.
Allah Subhanahu Ta’ala said in the Qur’an, ‘Who declared it forbidden?’ Who has the right to prohibit the beauty, the luster, and the needs that Allah Almighty has created for His servants?
So if a person says with his independent, arbitrary fatwa that it will be haram, it is not pure; Rather, he needs to know what kind of material they are made of in order to be haram. Only haram things will be haram.
Drinks made with Haram ingredients include
- Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine
- Drinks containing caffeine
- The Drinks containing the artificial sweetener aspartame because of its potential to encompass some impurities that may be haram (although if it is pure, then it would be halal)
- Soft Drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is not always haram but could be made from genetically modified corn or made with enzymes derived from pigs (this will be indicated on the label)
- Soft drinks containing pure honey are good for you, and they are also halal and can be consumed by Muslims in moderation. However, some honey-flavored drinks contain HFCS and thus should be avoided.
Opinions of Islamic scholars
We take different kinds of food apart from regular food for daily living. Along with it, there are many delicious and luxurious foods. There are several soft drinks or cold drinks available in the market as soft drinks. One of them is – Pepsi, Seven Up, Sprite, Speed, Tiger, Mojo, and Clayton.
Many people have doubts about the acceptability of these cold drinks as halal food or its Islamic perspective. In this regard, Islamic law and jurisprudence experts say that in order to pronounce the Shari’i ruling on cold drinks such as Pepsi, Seven Up, Sprite, Speed, Tiger, Mojo, and others, which are readily available in the market, we need to know a few things first. That is
- What are the mentioned cold drinks made of?
What is mixed with it?
If something haram is mixed, how much is it?
If the haram substance is mixed, what is its processing? - After mixing haram substances in this food, does its previous state remain, or does it change?
Answers of Islamic researchers on soft drinks
Answering this is easy and possible, subject to knowing the above points. However, according to a principle of Ilma Fiqh, the scholars say-
If a haram substance such as pork is refined in such a way that no originality remains, then it is permissible to use this substance or drink. If, after mixing the haram importance, its essence remains, then it is not acceptable to use the sense with which it is mixed. -(Nihayatul Muhtaz Lee Ramali-8/12)
It is stated in Fatwae Hindia, Majmaul Anhur and Fatwae Mahmudiya,
أما (الخمر) إذا خلله بعلاج بالملح أو بغيره يحل عندنا (الفتاوى الهندية،كتاب الأشربة وفيه بابان الباب الأول في تفسير الأشربة والأعيان التي تتخذ منها الأشربة وأسماؤها وماهياتها وأحكامه
That is, when alcohol is made into vinegar with salt or something else, it becomes halal. (Fatwae Hindia-5/410, Majmaul Anhur-4/251, Fatwae Mahmudia-27/218)
Based on this principle, provisions will be given on the cold drinks sold in the current market. That is if a haram substance is mixed in these cold drinks, and before mixing, it is processed in such a way that no originality of the haram importance remains. It will be permissible to use it, and if the essence remains, then it will not be acceptable to use it.
Scholars say, but as far as we know, in the current market, cold drinks do not use impure products; soda-like products are used, and even if any impurity is used, it is refined in such a way that no odor remains, so there is no Shariah restriction in using these products.
FAQs
Are all soft drinks halal?
In general, most commercially available soft drinks are halal. They usually do not contain haram ingredients. However, it is essential to check the specific ingredients listed on the packaging.
What ingredients should I watch out for in soft drinks?
Some soft drinks may contain additives or flavors derived from non-halal ingredients. Watch out for ingredients like gelatin, carmine, and certain emulsifiers. Always read the label for any potential red flags.
Can soft drinks contain alcohol?
Soft drinks do not contain alcohol. Some may have trace amounts due to the fermentation process or flavor. However, the charge is usually negligible, and many scholars consider it permissible as a small amount.
Are diet or sugar-free soft drinks halal?
Yes, diet or sugar-free soft drinks usually are. They typically use artificial sweeteners instead of conventional sugar.
Is it safe to assume that all soft drinks of reputed brands are halal?
Although reputable brands often adhere to halal standards. But it is important to check the ingredients. Because formulations may vary, Companies may change ingredients or manufacturing processes, so it’s best to be informed.
Can I consume soft drinks in a non-halal certified restaurant?
Generally, you can drink soft drinks in non-Halal certified restaurants because they are widely halal. However, if you have specific concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s best to choose glasses with status by researching the ingredients.
Are there any soft drinks that are clearly marked as Halal?
Some brands may have Halal certification on their products, which indicates that they meet certain halal standards. Look for labels or certifications from reputable halal certification bodies.