Question Summary:
Is it permissible to utilize cosmetics containing alcohol?

Question Detail:

Assalāmualaikum Wa Rahmatullāhi Wa Barakātuhu

1.      What is the law in Islām with regards to using cosmetics containing alcohol?  In the following link, I learned that if the amount of alcohol is small, then it’s utilization is permissible.  Please explain in detail. http://islamqa.info/en/ref/10337/cosmetics contains alcohol
2.      We are facing financial problems.  Myself and my wife try hard to fulfill all commands of Allah.  Please give us some Amal to solve our problem
3.      Also, we have been trying to have a baby.  We are married for one year and two months.  She had a miscarriage.  We also want to go to a doctor for treatment.  Is it permissible to go to a male gynecologist for treatment in Islm?  Is there any Amal in Islām for us to be blessed with a good child?  Please explain in detail.  May Allah bless you.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
 
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
 
1.      Cosmetics containing alcohol derived from grapes or dates are impermissible for application.  However, cosmetics and personal care products containing alcohol from other sources are permitted if all other ingredients in those products are Halal. [1]   [2]  [3]
 
2.      All affairs are in the control of Allāh Ta’ālā.  Allāh Ta’ālā is the one who sustains and provides for everyone.  Hence, our vision and mind should always be focused on the grandeur of Allāh Ta’ālā. 
 
Abundantly recite the Duā recited by Mūsā Alaihissalām when he travelled to Madyan without any provisions.  Having compete trust in Allah he recited:
 
رب اني لما انزلت الي من خير فقير( سورة القصص, رقم الاية 24)
Transliteration: Rabbe innī lima anzalta ilayya min khairin faqīr
 
Translation: O My Rabb, I am a beggar of whatever good you will send down for me. (Qurān 28/24)
 
         
           Through this Dua, Allāh Ta’ālā will put blessings in your earnings.                   
 
           If you are not currently employed or are not working, it is necessary for you to search for an employment.  To support your family is a responsibility Allāh Ta’ālā has placed on your shoulders             
 
3.      Similarly, it is the decision of Allāh Ta’ālā to grant children when he intends.  We should have firm conviction and reliance on Almighty Allāh.
 
Some couples have children very soon after marriage while for others, it takes a few years.  Continue seeking the assistance of Allāh Ta’ālā through the Duā of Zakariyyā Alaihissalām.  Zakariyyā Alayhissalām had reached a very old age, however Allāh Ta’ālā granted him a noble son, Yahyā Alayhissalām as a result of the following Duā:
 
رب هب لي من لدنك ذرية طيبة انك سميع الدعاء (سورة ال عمران, رقم الاية 38)
 
Transliteration: Rabbe hab lī miladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibah innaka samī’udduā’
 
Translation: O My Rabb: Grant me from your side a pure offspring.  Indeed you are the one who listens to Dua (prayer). (Qurān 3/38)
 
With regards to receiving medical treatment, a female gynecologist should be sought for your wife. However, if a qualified female gynecologist is not easily accessible, then it is permissible to seek medical treatment from a male doctor. [4] [5] [6]
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Abdul Azeem bin Abdur Rahman,
Student Darul Iftaa
US
 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net