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Fatwa CenterPermissible kinds of vinegar
Question
Is balsamic vinegar and apple cider vinegar Haraam? Or is it ok to use?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
It is permissible to use vinegar as it is among the things that Allaah has permitted. The Prophet 
said: "The best of meals is vinegar."
So it is permissible to use it whether it is from balsam or apple. Of course, this is in case the vinegar is not made from wine.
If it became vinegar from wine, then it has two cases:
Firstly, if it was purposely made vinegar, then it is not permissible to use it, as Anas 
narrated that the Prophet was asked about whether it is permissible to use vinegar which is made from wine, and he replied, 'No'. [Muslim]
So it is not permissible to use vinegar made from wine, if it was initially intended, according to the view point of the Shaafi'ee and Hanbali schools.
Secondly, if wine becomes vinegar automatically and without the interference of a human being, then it is lawful, pure and permissible to use. It is also not permissible to use vinegar if it is mixed with something forbidden, like alcohol, for example. Some vinegars made from apples which are produced in Western countries, usually bear a note that they contain a given percentage of alcohol.
To conclude, it is permissible to use that vinegar whose product was not initially intended from wine or is mixed with alcohol.
For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa: 81657.
Allaah knows best.
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