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Islamic Scholar Suggests Using Ethanol-Powered Vehicles May Be a Sin

 
30,580 views Feb 26, 2009
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Wow. As if the debate around using ethanol to fuel cars weren't already complicated enough, now an Islamic scholar has suggested that driving or even riding in a vehicle fueled by ethanol could be considered a sin for observant Muslims.

The opinion comes from Sheikh Mohamed al-Najimi, of the Islamic Jurisprudence Academy in Saudi Arabia. It is based on the part of Islamic law derived from a statement by the prophet in which dealing with alcohol in any form--including purchase, sale, transport, consumption, and manufacture--is strictly prohibited.


The sheikh urged that the issue of ethanol-powered vehicles should be studied by Islamic religious scholars, and stressed that the statement was not a fatwa but simply his own opinion. He noted that any ban would extend beyond Islamic countries to cover observant Muslims in other countries. This might include tourists, students abroad, and other groups.

The pros and cons of ethanol as a vehicle fuel are far too lengthy to cover in this post, so we're offering just a few high points here.

PROS:

- Ethanol can be made from various plants that pull carbon dioxide from the air as they grow, so burning it just returns that CO2 to the atmosphere, cutting net CO2 emissions.

- Plants can be grown in the United States, so vehicle fuel could be domestically produced, displacing imported petroleum.

- Ethanol blends with gasoline, as in the E85 that's sold at a few hundred Midwestern gas stations.

CONS:

- Producing ethanol from corn, as we do in the US, is the least efficient way to "grow fuel". The sugar cane used in Brazil provides twice as many gallons per acre, and the real productivity lies in other forms of biomass like switchgrass--none of them anywhere close to volume production.

- The "wells to wheels" energy balance of ethanol needs to be carefully assessed, since industrialized agriculture emits large amounts of CO2 and ethanol distilling uses lots of fresh water.

- Ethanol has to be sold within about 300 miles of where it's refined, and must be trucked rather than sent through petroleum pipelines.

- The "Flex-Fuel" vehicles produced by domestic carmakers are considered by many analysts a scam to meet CAFE mileage laws via additional credits for flex-fuel ability. Most of those vehicles will only ever burn gasoline, and many owners have no idea their cars can run on E85.

The ethanol debate will rage for years to come, but clearly this new wrinkle adds yet another concern for drivers who are also observant Muslims.

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[SOURCE: Al Arabiya via TreeHugger]





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Comments (39)

  1. Bert Behrens Posted: 2/26/2009 1:07pm PST

    "seriously?"

    So we are now dealing with religion in the debate? Wonderful, now there is no chance of reasonable debate and study for ethanol.
    I wonder if there are any Muslims racing in any of the series that utilize alcohol based fuels?
     
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  2. me not you Posted: 2/26/2009 2:22pm PST

    "FIGURES"

    Can anyone shut these idiots up?
     
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  3. Terry Posted: 2/26/2009 2:24pm PST

    "Yeah..."

    This is so stupid, we try to clean up the planet and all this guy contributes is religious fear mongering.
     
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  4. me not you Posted: 2/26/2009 2:25pm PST

    "FIGURES"

    Can anyone shut these idiots up?
     
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  5. Michael Posted: 2/26/2009 2:33pm PST

    "What a coincidence"

    What's that? A cleric in Saudi Arabia says ethanol is bad? You mean the same Saudi Arabia who exports all that Oil? You mean the same Saudi Arabia who's economy and standard of living is almost entirely dependent on the price of that oil? No, I'm sure there's no conflict of interest in this statement anywhere.
     
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  6. Anonymos Posted: 2/26/2009 2:35pm PST

    "Title"

    So, let me get this straight. Someone from one of the largest oil producing nations in the world suggests that running cars on ethanol is a sin? That's like the cigarette companies saying they released a "study" that cigarettes don't cause cancer.
    I'm no Koran expert, but is it a stretch to think the basis of this "sin" was directed at alcohol intended to be consumed?
     
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  7. KB Posted: 2/26/2009 2:47pm PST

    "Too late?"

    They're aware that gasoline currently contains ethanol already right? There's a very nice placard on every pump as a reminder that the gasoline contains it in fact.
     
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  8. mmc2068 Posted: 2/26/2009 2:48pm PST

    "The real sin is driving, period."

    If you ask me, automobile driving of any kind is a sin, precisely because of the geopolitical turmoil it has caused the Muslim, Jewish and Christian worlds, the environmental catastrophe that cars contribute to as we speak and the economic collapse resulting from the bursting of the car/urban sprawl-induced housing bubble.
     
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  9. TokenMuslimGuy Posted: 2/26/2009 2:50pm PST

    "Mr."

    Garbage. Alcohol is prohibited, but there are exceptions such as medicine. Naturally any form of intoxicant or mind-altering substance is not allowed but this is just extreme.
    Not to mention, the Quran also advocates taking care of the Earth and travelling with care. Only time alcohol should come into play is drunk driving or sniffing gas, and I'm pretty sure no religion would be down with that.
     
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  10. a curious lad Posted: 2/26/2009 2:54pm PST

    "The skies are safe at last!"

    So let me get this straight. The "religion of peace" can't fly in planes running an alcohol blend? BRILLIANT !!
     
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  11. Tom Posted: 2/26/2009 2:56pm PST

    "I'm a Muslim and this is retarded"

    I'm a Muslim and this is retarded. Obviously, the prohibition of alcohol is in reference to drinking it ...
     
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  12. Eric Posted: 2/26/2009 3:03pm PST

    "Umm, no.."

    I'm not a Muslim, but my reasoning tells me that driving an ethanol-burning car shouldn't be considered a sin. When I think about why consuming alcohol would be a sin, the only reason I can think of is that alcohol can distort your state of mind and be harmful to your health. Driving a car that runs on ethanol does neither of those things. So I don't really buy the argument that driving an ethanol-based car should be considered a sin.
     
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  13. Mo Posted: 2/26/2009 3:14pm PST

    "Also a muslim"

    This person should not represent Muslims or Islam. He's either a brainless fool or (as others have pointed out) a shill for the Saudi oil industry.
     
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  14. Deckert Posted: 2/26/2009 3:26pm PST

    "Fairy Tales"

    Once again, religion screws up something good, like life.
     
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  15. dongsack Posted: 2/26/2009 4:01pm PST

    "lmao:"

    hahaha religion.
     
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  16. John Posted: 2/26/2009 4:46pm PST

    "Cool!"

    I see this as a benifit if it were true. This means we should require all cars and airplanes to run on ethanol blend. This would keep Ban Ladin types out and prevent terror acts against us.
     
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  17. smokie Posted: 2/26/2009 8:24pm PST

    "Flex-Fuel"

    So making cars that can run on E85 is a scam because they can also run on gasoline? The idiots who claim this should be forced to drive an ethanol only vehicle cross country pushing the POS through the New Mexico desert to get to the nearest Ethanol station.
     
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  18. person Posted: 2/26/2009 10:34pm PST

    "Mr."

    Vinegar is made from ethanol, and vinegar was one of the four favored condiments of Muhammad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar). Yet another example of self-contradiction that every major religion exhibits.
     
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  19. wanis Posted: 2/26/2009 11:13pm PST

    "thats dumb"

    lol@ berts comment!
    i think that idiot was just saying that as per the request of the Saudi government.....afraid people would stop buying their oil...
    am Muslim too btw and that's is stupid!
     
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  20. Berkana Posted: 2/27/2009 4:00am PST

    "How about used-lard biodiesel?"

    Gosh, what a convenient way to get Muslims here to keep supporting the oil industry in the middle east.
     
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  21. MoforMe Posted: 2/27/2009 4:54am PST

    "give up your day job"

    I am a muslim as well and Islam bans alcohol because of the resultant drunkenness. Apple juice has alcohol, medicines (cough syrup) have alcohols but in miniscule quantaties that it takes 100s of gallons to get you drunk. In cases like this it is allowable but not for recreation purposes. In summary this guy is talking crap when he says alcohol is banned in every form.
     
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  22. Ali Posted: 2/27/2009 6:31am PST

    "Certainly not Bio-fuel"

    Although I am not a religious man, yet i agree with this man because while millions of ppl starve to death; westerners all of a sudden wants to save the planet through bio-fuel which no only limits agricultural land and rizes food prices but also destroys rain forest in Brazil among other countries. I do agree that we should stop using fossil fuel but we should not correct amistake by another probably worst mistake.
     
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  23. Riyadh Posted: 2/27/2009 7:00am PST

    "Mr."

    Raising this is islamaphobia, people just want to create a debate with negative headlines and make look muslims fools and terrorists, even the muslims who are commenting on this are becoming fools of themselves with little knowledge,they are giving space and misinformations for the others can talk about, they should refrain or only comment if they have a complete knowledge and hold some authority.
     
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  24. TexasMuslims Posted: 2/27/2009 9:13am PST

    "Agree"

    It's a valid fiqh opinion. With regards to using vinegar made from wine, only Imam Abu Hanifah said it was ok. The opinion of the other three madhabs is that it is not allowed. So, all I am trying to say is that this is a valid Fiqh opinion. First, find out what fiqh is before trying to put people down.
     
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  25. TexasMuslims Posted: 2/27/2009 9:27am PST

    "Hadith"

    It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."
     
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  26. Don Posted: 2/27/2009 2:06pm PST

    "(Un-Educated) Opinions"

    Just seems like these leaders need some more common sense and education. Statements like these are born out of ignorance and portray a negative image of Muslims. I would ask the scholar - what about medication with alcohol or alcohol used as a sanitizer?
     
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  27. sam Posted: 2/27/2009 2:52pm PST

    "dumb"

    dumb dumb dumb. as if news papers have to publish the ideas of every religious wing nut.
     
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  28. Poor Journalism Posted: 2/27/2009 7:12pm PST

    "Sensationalism"

    This is just another example of the sensationalist rhetoric that seeks to caricature and misrepresent Islam. Not even an effort is made to hide the fact that this story is meant to amuse Western audiences. By choosing the most bizarre opinion to portray represent Islam and Muslims, journalism like this only fuels distorted and biased images of the Other that then inform political decisions such as the War in Iraq. Wake up People!!
     
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  29. asasa Posted: 2/28/2009 2:14am PST

    "I'm a muslim and this sux big time"

    If this news is true then then then so-called scholar is a total dumb ass. The restriction is for humanly consumption only.
     
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  30. themope Posted: 3/1/2009 2:53am PST

    "mr"

    So does this mean he wouldn't let any of his family members receive medical care via alcohol-sterilized equipment? He'd prefer they get infections rather than have doctors use alcohol to sterilize? Yeah right. Muslims. What a joke.
     
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  31. Larry Fischer Posted: 3/1/2009 2:59am PST

    "Mr Larry"

    @ Riyadh; You mean like you're doing? And who are you to say that anyone posting here has more or less "authority" than anyone else? This is America. Everyone is free to speak their opinion. Not just those you feel are worthy (i.e., agree with your close-minded mentality).
     
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  32. Nathan Posted: 3/2/2009 6:04pm PST

    "Why would Saudis oppose ethanol?"

    Maybe because it's the only alternative to the transportation fuel (hint: oil) that makes up 100 percent of their economy?
     
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  33. Imam Muhammad Posted: 3/3/2009 11:52am PST

    "Imam"

    This is utter stupidity. In Islam the usage of such things is permitted. No one is going to grab a 30oz. of that stuff while he's filling up. I'm very sorry that these type of people are out there presenting our religion. I'm a trained Imam and this guy is nuts. Fill up, save the planet, pray and be good people.
     
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  34. SSHM Posted: 3/6/2009 4:09am PST

    "Stupid Should Hurt Moore"

    I had to go back and look at the date of this article because of the inaccuracies of the pro's and cons. This person is obviously uneducated in the field of biofuels, specifically ethanol and ethanol blends. It seems he is stuck in the 1970's.
    If he is going to oppose ethanol he could at least take the time to present an educated argument. This entire article is mere fodder.
     
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  35. Stu Posted: 8/26/2009 5:34pm PDT

    I think religion sucks. But, Islam condemns 10 groups of people in regards to alcohol, those who make it, those who transport it, those it is made for, etc etc. Not bothering to quote the hadith, but the are there. Also, the prophet himself revealed a verse that states the Allah has sent down both diseases, and cures for diseases. For every disease there is a cure, and no cure for any disease can be found in that which is prohibited for you...eg..alcohol. He revealed this verse after an associate claimed that alcohol could be used as medicine. Well, it is now proved that alcohol kils bacteria and virus on contact and is indispensable in the medical field for a variety of uses. That is a fact, proving the great Mo.....wrong.....and since this verse came from Allah.....proving Allah wrong. But whatever.....muslims that follow Mo......can not use alcohol in any form.....for any reason.....and that is fact. If you dispute the prophet.....you're an apostate.....and the penalty for an apostate....is death.
    So continue being a muslim if you like.....or do what most do and just buy into the bits and pieces you like and reject the bits and pieces you don't lol. Mo warned about that too lol.
     
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  36. Ken Posted: 8/8/2010 11:01am PDT

    Wow, religion even interferes with the production of automobile fuel. Just as well though. It seems it may not be as green as one might think. Water, transportation etc.
     
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  37. Ab Posted: 1/6/2011 5:41am PST

    First, I would like to point out that this ruling is for Muslims. If you're not a Muslim, why should you be so concerned about this opinion that you get angry and even wrongfully accuse others without knowledge. He stated the Sheikh said it's not a Fatawa. That means, it's not an obligation. However, this seems to be a reasonable opinion because of the results that can come from this act of using Ethanol for fuel. Those chemicals didn't just tell us they were dangerous when they were made, did they? They were tested out first, then they showed us they were harmful.We aren't psychic, to just know these things before they happen.So how can we assume that using manufacturing more Ethanol is going to be so advantageous if we don't know they future? Just because he lives in a country that exports oil, doesn't necessarily mean he's trying to propagate against any alternative to that type of fuel. This is very closed minded thinking for a freedom-loving American. We are the ones that are constantly try to sell our toxic products to them , whether it be an acidy, damaging product like soda or a messy,fattening sandwich with which the meat is filled with hormones. The West have caused much harm to it's neighbors and you are the one bickering at them for wanting to follow better life & teachings of God's messenger (saw)?
     
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  38. Ab Posted: 1/6/2011 5:42am PST

    If there's no room for anything about the one who created us,regardless of what religion you follow, what is there room for? The humans are the ones that seem to be responsible for all the chemicals and global warming,and you think we won't get OURSELVES in more problems later? If you actually read about some of the Prophet's(saw) teachings you would see why Americans fail. For example, this country literally strips a woman of respect and dignity, while Muslims keep them as precious gems covered up in front of lustful eyes.This is why there's so much rape. The motto,in the Wast, is "flaunt it if you got it" but not wait til marriage. We clean ourselves using water in the bathroom instead of being the ones to cause food poisoning. We clean ourselves before every prayer,and are encouraged to be clean & tidy in all aspects of life. Men are instructed to treat women kindly. Knowledge is highly promoted, as well as manners and morals. I can be as rude as the next person, but Islam tells me to use kinds words, especially to parents. There are "strange" things in every way of life, because we are not accustomed to them. We're accustomed to doing what others think is right eventho they are just human like the rest of us.Even our own parents makes mistakes. Only God,the exalted, knows us and knows what's best for us.
     
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  39. Ab Posted: 1/6/2011 5:50am PST

    From Islamqa.com
    "If the percentage of alcohol is very high, so that you can detect it, then it is better not to use it except where it is necessary, such as for sterilizing wounds and the like.In cases where it is not necessary, it is better not to use it, but we do not say that it is haram. The most we can say is that this high alcohol content is an intoxicant, and no doubt consuming intoxicants is haram according to the texts of Islam and the consensus of the scholars, but is using it in ways other than drinking it permissible? This is open to speculation, but to be on the safe side we should not use it. If you say that it is open to speculation because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, al-ansaab [animals that are sacrificed on stone altars for idols], and al-azlaam [arrows for seeking luck or decision], are an abomination of Shaytaan’s handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaytaan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from al-salaah (the prayer). So will you not then abstain?” [al-Ma’idah 5:90-91"
     
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