The existence of an alternative that doctors can use in place of alcohol

The Shaykh : Knowing that there is a theoretical possibility, and I have informed you that this theoretical matter is a practical reality. By theoretical, I mean that it is impossible that there would be a cure for a condition using something forbidden that our Lord has prohibited, without Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) creating an alternative from what He has made permissible for His believing servants. This is impossible theoretically and scientifically, but it may be hidden from some people, and that is not strange. However, I have been informed by some doctors and also pharmacists in Syria that there are some liquids that a doctor can use in place of this forbidden alcohol, as we mentioned earlier. Perhaps the name of this substance has slipped from my mind; its color is green, yes.

The questioner : Iodine.

The Shaykh : No, another name, and it is inexpensive. Some people, when undergoing surgical operations on the lower parts of their bodies, would immerse that area in this liquid, which is one of the cheapest liquids available at pharmacies. Our brothers present here surely know, in any case, and names may differ from country to country, that there are other disinfectants that can be used in place of alcohol. Then I recall that some Muslim doctors mentioned that alcohol has some negative effects in treating wounds, namely that it dries the skin, whereas this alternative does not have this negative effect and serves the role of alcohol in purification and sterilization. To conclude: If it is very clear that it is not permissible to use alcohol, based on the aforementioned verses and hadiths, and if we assume that there is no alternative available to us, the obligatory course of action is not to rush to use what Allah has forbidden, but rather to rush to find an alternative to what Allah has forbidden. This is all I have to say regarding that question.