Alcohol in Deodorants

I was wondering if external use of alcohol is permitted, such as deodorant and soap with fragrance - basically items of personal cleanliness. And, if they are permitted, can we perform wudu?

Walaikum assalam,

Yes, such deodorants may be used because the fatwa is that alcohol from other than grapes, dates, and barley, though haram to consume, is not najis or haram to use.

However, there is difference of opinion on this both within the Hanafi school and in other schools. The general ruling is that it is recommended to do that which takes one out of a difference of opinion, as long as it does not entail doing anything disliked (even if somewhat disliked) in one's own school.

If you search for "alcohol" at http://www.SunniPath.com, you will find more details on this.

Wassalam,

Faraz Rabbani.