In the bustling aisles of your local supermarket, you pause before the oral care section. Your eyes scan the array of mouthwashes, each promising a fresher breath, and a healthier mouth. Among them, a familiar brand stands out – Listerine. But a question lingers in your mind, “Is Listerine Halal?”
Recent studies suggest that nearly 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are increasingly seeking Halal-certified products, not just in their diet but also in their personal care items. Yet, a staggering 67% of these consumers struggle to identify such products, especially in oral care.
This article aims to unravel the mystery surrounding Listerine Mouthwash and its Halal status. We’ll delve into its ingredients, explore the Islamic perspective, and provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. So, if you’ve ever pondered your mouthwash’s Halal status, read on. This post promises clarity amidst the confusion.
Keynote: Is Listerine Halal?
Listerine is a mouthwash that contains alcohol and other ingredients. The ruling on using Listerine depends on the different opinions of the scholars. Some say it is halal, because the alcohol is synthetic, not derived from grapes or dates, and is not intended for ingestion. Others say it is haram, because alcohol is impure and intoxicating, and halal alternatives are available. Therefore, it is better to avoid using it.
What is Listerine Mouthwash?
Listerine Mouthwash, a product of Johnson & Johnson, was first formulated in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert. It was named after Dr. Joseph Lister, a pioneer in antiseptic surgery. Listerine contains four essential oils: Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, and Thymol, combined with alcohol and water. These ingredients are extracted from various sources, including Eucalyptus plants and various mints.
The product is designed to kill germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gum disease gingivitis. The active ingredients in Listerine, essential oils, have been shown to have antiseptic activity against oral pathogens. The inactive ingredients, including water and alcohol, serve as solvents for the active ingredients.
Listerine can help prevent and reduce supragingival plaque accumulation and gingivitis when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral hygiene and regular professional care. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy has been proven in numerous clinical studies.
Analysis of Listerine Ingredients
Listerine is an antiseptic mouthwash that contains four essential oils: eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol. These oils are extracted from plants or inspired by natural sources and have antimicrobial properties.
Listerine also contains other ingredients such as alcohol, water, sorbitol, poloxamer 407, benzoic acid, zinc chloride, sodium fluoride, sodium saccharin, sodium benzoate, sucralose, propylene glycol and colouring agents. These ingredients help to dissolve the oils, prevent tartar buildup, prevent cavities, enhance the flavor, preserve the product and give it a distinctive appearance.
The exact composition of Listerine is a trade secret, but according to the product overview, the ingredients are as follows for Listerine Total Care. A similar distribution is contained in other varieties, which also list the essential oils as active ingredients:
Listerine Total Care
- Active ingredient: Sodium fluoride 0.02% (0.01% w/v fluoride ion)
- Inactive ingredients: Water; Sorbitol; Poloxamer 407; Benzoic Acid; Flavor; Eucalyptol; Zinc Chloride; Sodium Saccharin; Thymol; Methyl Salicylate; Menthol; Sodium Fluoride; Sodium Benzoate; Sucralose; Propylene Glycol; Ci 16035 (Red 40); Cl 42090 (Blue 1)
As for the potential Haram ingredients, there are different opinions among Islamic scholars and authorities on the permissibility of using alcohol-based mouthwashes like Listerine. Some argue that alcohol is impure and forbidden in any form, while others contend that alcohol is only prohibited for consumption and not for external use. Some also distinguish between synthetic alcohol and natural alcohol derived from grapes or dates. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your local imam or a trusted Islamic source before using Listerine or any other alcohol-based mouthwash.
Another controversial ingredient in Listerine is methyl salicylate, derived from wintergreen oil. Some people may be allergic to this ingredient and experience symptoms such as burning, stinging, swelling or rash in the mouth. Methyl salicylate can also be toxic if ingested in large amounts, especially by children. Therefore, it is important to follow the directions on the label and keep Listerine out of reach of children.
Is Mouthwash with Alcohol Haram?
The Islamic view on alcohol is clear and unequivocal. Consumption of alcohol is considered Haram (forbidden) due to its intoxicating effects. This is reflected in several Hadiths, including the following:
- Narrated Anas: “Alcoholic drinks were prohibited at the time; we could rarely find wine made from grapes in Medina, for most of our liquors were made from unripe and ripe dates.” Bukhari
- Narrated ‘Umar: “Alcoholic drinks are prepared from five things, i.e., raisins, dates. wheat, barley, and honey.” Bukhari
- Narrated Ibn Umar: “Umar stood up on the pulpit and said, ‘Now then, prohibition of alcoholic drinks have been revealed, and these drinks are prepared from five things, i.e., grapes, dates, honey, wheat or barley. And an alcoholic drink is that, that disturbs the mind.'” Bukhari
The alcohol that Allah prohibited is the Khamr (intoxicating alcohol), but not every alcohol is intoxicating. Typically, mouthwash products contain menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol alcohol, which are not intoxicating alcohol.
The intoxicating alcohol we find nowadays is ethyl alcohol. In light of this, mouthwash products containing alcohol must only be used medicinally. Mouthwashes containing alcoholic ingredients should be avoided unless they are used in a medicinal setting. Nowadays, there is an alcohol-free alternative available.
Halal Alternatives to Listerine
| Brand | Country of Origin | Halal Certification Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tom’s | USA | Tom’s of Maine products, including their mouthwash, have earned Halal certification. |
| Pearlie White® | Singapore | Singapore’s only oral care brand has successfully obtained Halal certification for its facility and products. |
| Listerine Zero Antiseptic Mouthwash | USA | This variant of Listerine is Halal-certified and helps to kill up to 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. |
| Sprinjene | USA | Sprinjene offers a Fluoride Free Mouthwash that is Alcohol Free and Halal-certified. |
When comparing Listerine with these Halal alternatives, it’s important to consider factors such as the presence of alcohol, effectiveness in killing germs, and overall oral health benefits. While Listerine is a well-known brand with proven effectiveness, its alcohol content may concern some consumers. On the other hand, the Halal alternatives listed above offer similar benefits without the use of alcohol, making them a suitable choice for those seeking Halal-certified products.
Remember, it’s always important to check the current certification status of a product, as certifications can change over time.
Final Thoughts
It’s a reminder that the journey to conscious consumerism often requires us to navigate complex terrains and make informed decisions that align with our beliefs and values within Islam.
Ultimately, the choice to use Listerine or any other product containing alcohol comes down to personal interpretation and comfort. It’s a decision that reflects the intersection of faith, personal hygiene, and the desire to live in harmony with one’s beliefs. It’s a testament to the fact that our everyday choices, even as mundane as choosing a mouthwash, can be profound expressions of our identity and values.
So, the next time you find yourself in the oral care aisle, remember that you’re not just choosing a product. You’re making a choice that resonates with your beliefs, values, and the person you choose to be. That’s the power of conscious consumerism.
Read also: Are Veneers Haram
Listerine Mouthwash Halal or Haram (FAQs)
Is mouthwash haram?
Mouthwash is not haram in general, but it depends on the ingredients and how it is used. Some mouthwashes may contain alcohol or other impure substances that are forbidden for Muslims to consume or use. Some mouthwashes may also reach the throat or stomach if swallowed, which may invalidate the fast or the prayer. Therefore, one should be careful about choosing a mouthwash that is halal and safe, and use it in a way that does not affect the fast or the wudu.
Is alcohol mouthwash haram?
Alcohol mouthwash is haram according to the majority of the scholars, because alcohol is impure and intoxicating, and there are permissible alternatives available. Alcohol mouthwash may also reach the throat or stomach if swallowed, which may break the fast or the wudu. Some scholars may allow using alcohol mouthwash for medical reasons, but only if there is no other option and if one is careful not to swallow it.
Is Listerine alcohol-free halal?
Listerine alcohol-free is halal according to some sources, because it does not contain alcohol or any other impure ingredients. However, one should still be careful not to swallow it or let it reach the throat or stomach, as it may affect the fast or the wudu.
Does all Listerine mouthwash contain alcohol?
No, not all Listerine mouthwash contains alcohol. Listerine has different varieties of mouthwash, some of which are alcohol-free and some of which contain alcohol. One should check the label and ingredients before using any Listerine product.
Does Listerine break wudu?
Listerine may break wudu if it contains alcohol or any other impure substance that is forbidden for Muslims to use. Listerine may also break wudu if it reaches the throat or stomach, as this may invalidate the purity of the mouth. Therefore, one should avoid using Listerine that contains alcohol or any other impure substance, and use it in a way that does not reach the throat or stomach.
Is it safe to use expired mouthwash?
It is not safe to use expired mouthwash, as it may lose its effectiveness and quality over time. Expired mouthwash may also contain harmful bacteria or fungi that can cause infections or diseases in the mouth. Therefore, one should always check the expiration date and dispose of any expired mouthwash.
Can you use mouthwash during Ramadan?
You can use mouthwash during Ramadan, but only if it does not contain alcohol or any other impure substance that is forbidden for Muslims to consume or use. You should also use mouthwash in a way that does not reach the throat or stomach, as this may break the fast. You should also avoid using mouthwash at times when you are about to pray, as this may affect the purity of your mouth.
Will I break my fast if I use mouthwash?
You will break your fast if you use mouthwash that contains alcohol or any other impure substance that is forbidden for Muslims to consume or use. You will also break your fast if you use mouthwash in a way that reaches the throat or stomach, as this is considered as eating or drinking. Therefore, you should avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol or any other impure substance, and use it in a way that does not reach the throat or stomach.
What is the definition of an intoxicant in Islam?
An intoxicant is anything that causes intoxication, which is a state of mind where one loses control over one’s reason, senses, or actions. Intoxication can be caused by various substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or even food. Intoxication is prohibited in Islam, as Allah says in the Quran what means: {O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.} [Quran 5:90]
What is the difference between Quran and Fiqh?
The Quran is the word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It is the primary source of Islamic guidance and legislation. Fiqh is the human understanding and application of the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad ). Fiqh is derived from various sources, such as consensus (Ijmaa’), analogy (Qiyaas), and juristic preference (Istihsaan).
How does intoxication affect one’s prayer?
Intoxication affects one’s prayer in different ways depending on the level of intoxication. If one is mildly intoxicated, such that one can still understand what one says and does in prayer, then one’s prayer is valid but disliked (Makrooh). If one is moderately intoxicated, such that one cannot understand what one says or does in prayer, then one’s prayer is invalid (Baatil) and one has to repeat it when sober. If one is severely intoxicated, such that one loses consciousness or sanity, then one’s prayer is excused (Ma’dhoor) and one does not have to repeat it.
Is it permissible to use mouthwash that contains alcohol?
It is not permissible to use mouthwash that contains alcohol, according to the majority of the scholars, because alcohol is impure and intoxicating, and there are permissible alternatives available. Alcohol mouthwash may also reach the throat or stomach if swallowed, which may break the fast or the wudu. Some scholars may allow using alcohol mouthwash for medical reasons, but only if there is no other option and if one is careful not to swallow it.