Is Murree Beer Halal?
While Murree Brewery produces certified halal products, their alcoholic Murree beer is not considered halal according to general Islamic dietary law.
In Islam, the term halal refers to anything that is permissible or lawful, particularly concerning food and drink. A fundamental principle of Islamic dietary law is the prohibition of khamr, which includes alcoholic beverages, as they are considered Haram (forbidden).
Murree Brewery Co. Ltd., based in Pakistan, is known for producing a range of beverages, including alcoholic beers. The question specifically pertains to "Murree beer," which implies the alcoholic product.
According to a certification provided by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), dated August 20, 2018:
"This is to certify that MURREE BREWERY CO. LTD., TOPS FOOD & BEVERAGES, RAWALPINDI, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN, produces Halal products under the supervision of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). The following products are Halal when bearing the Crescent-M Halal logo."
Analyzing the IFANCA Certification
It is crucial to understand what this certification means in the context of Murree beer:
- Production of Halal Products: The certification confirms that Murree Brewery produces some products that meet halal standards.
- Specific Products Only: The certification explicitly states that "The following products are Halal," indicating that the certification applies only to a specific list of items, not the entire production line.
- Bearing the Logo: The certification is valid only when the products bear the Crescent-M Halal logo.
- Exclusion of Alcoholic Beer: Standard alcoholic beer, by its nature as an intoxicating beverage, falls under the Islamic prohibition of khamr and is not included among the certified halal products by IFANCA for Murree Brewery. The certification covers "Halal products" which would be distinct from their alcoholic beverages.
Why Alcoholic Beer is Not Considered Halal
The prohibition of alcohol in Islamic law is clear. Consuming intoxicating substances is forbidden. Therefore, any alcoholic beer, including alcoholic Murree beer, is considered Haram and is not permissible for Muslims to consume.
It's important to differentiate between Murree Brewery's various product lines. The company also produces non-alcoholic drinks and food items under its TOPS brand, and it is likely that the IFANCA certification primarily applies to these non-alcoholic or food products that meet halal criteria and carry the specific logo.
| Product Category | General Halal Status | IFANCA Certification Scope (for Murree Brewery/TOPS per reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic Murree Beer | Haram (Not Halal) | Not included |
| Other Products (e.g., non-alcoholic beverages, food items) | Varies | Applies to specific "Halal products" bearing the Crescent-M logo |
In conclusion, while Murree Brewery does produce items certified as halal by IFANCA, this certification applies to specific, identified products bearing a halal logo and does not extend to their alcoholic Murree beer, which is considered non-halal according to Islamic dietary laws.
