Vanilla extract is generally considered halal (permissible) by many Islamic scholars.
Here's why:
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Negligible Alcohol Content: Vanilla extract typically contains alcohol, often around 35-40%, used as a solvent to extract the vanilla flavor. However, the amount used in food is usually very small.
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Non-Intoxicating Use: The small amount of alcohol present in vanilla extract is not used for intoxication purposes, nor does it have an intoxicating effect when consumed in normal quantities in food or desserts.
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Transformation (Istihala): Some scholars apply the principle of istihala (transformation) in this case. This principle states that if a haram substance is transformed into a different substance with different properties, it becomes permissible. The alcohol, as it's used and diluted in the vanilla extract and subsequent food preparations, undergoes a transformation rendering it acceptable.
Therefore, due to the negligible amount and non-intoxicating use of alcohol, vanilla extract is widely accepted as halal.
