Heineken 0.0 is often considered not halal by many Muslims because it contains a small, albeit minuscule, amount of alcohol.
Despite the name suggesting 0% alcohol, Heineken 0.0 actually contains no more than 0.05% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). While this is a very low amount and is unlikely to cause intoxication, the presence of any alcohol content is the primary reason it is considered haram (forbidden) under certain interpretations of Islamic dietary laws.
Understanding the Halal Perspective
In Islam, the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. The general principle applied by many scholars and Muslims is that if a substance contains alcohol, it is haram, regardless of the quantity or the likelihood of intoxication.
- The Presence of Alcohol: Even with a minuscule amount of alcohol content, as stated in the reference, the fact that alcohol is present at all makes it problematic for those adhering to stricter interpretations of halal guidelines.
- Not Truly 0%: The "0.0" in the name can be misleading, as the product is not completely free of alcohol. The threshold of 0.05% ABV, while extremely low, is still above absolute zero.
Therefore, the core reason why Heineken 0.0 is often not considered halal is the principle that any beverage containing alcohol, even in trace amounts like the 0.05% ABV found in this product, falls under the prohibition.
