Alcohol in Drug Delivery Systems: Scientific Roles and Islamic Ethical Considerations in Muslim Contexts

A study on pharmaceutical medicine delivery examines alcohol's scientific value and ethical difficulties in Islam. Ethanol is a common therapeutic excipient because it dissolves, preserves, and enhances the absorption of other drugs. Some alcohol is unclean (najis) and illegal (haram) under Islamic law, making its usage challenging for Muslim patients and healthcare providers. This study seeks to clarify the pharmacological functions of alcohols in modern drug delivery systems, analyze Islamic legal principles-darura (necessity), istihala (transformation), and the assessment of acceptable alternatives-that govern their permissibility, and evaluate innovative approaches that ensure ethical adherence while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Studies show that alcohol's physicochemical qualities make it useful in medicine, although its use may be ethical if justified by medical need or chemical alteration. Formulation science increasingly advocates glycerolbased solvents, deep eutectic systems, and nanocarriers, such as liposomes, micelles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, over ethanol. Halal and sustainable, these alcohol-free platforms have similar solubility and absorption. Halal certification (HC) systems in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) indicate a regulatory trend toward inclusive and ethical pharmaceutical practices. The report suggests that Islamic scholars, pharmaceutical experts, and regulatory authorities work together to balance therapeutic efficacy with ethical and cultural issues. Standardised halal pharmaceutical frameworks and alcohol-free medicine delivery methods may improve Muslim-majority patient confidence, adherence, and accessibility. This research innovates culturally sensitive and scientifically sound medication delivery methods that meet Islamic ethical criteria to offer fair and inclusive healthcare for Muslim populations globally.