Haraam or Halal? - Coke and Pepsi contain 0.001% Alcohol

The permissibility of consuming beverages like Coke and Pepsi that contain trace amounts of alcohol, such as 0.001%, is approached differently in Sunni and Shia scholarship.

According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the general principle is that intoxicants are prohibited. In the context of alcohol, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated, All drinks that produce intoxication are Haram (forbidden to drink) Sahih al-Bukhari 4:243. However, there is also recognition that if the alcohol content is negligible and does not produce intoxication, some scholars may consider it permissible to consume such products, especially if they are not intended as intoxicants.

In Shia scholarship, as reflected in Al-Mizan, the position is similar in that all intoxicating substances are considered unlawful. Al-Kafi narrates a statement attributed to Imam al-Rida, who said, All intoxicating substances are unlawful, everything confusing the power of reason is unlawful Al-Kafi 19:12024. This strict interpretation leads to the conclusion that even trace amounts of alcohol should be avoided.

Ultimately, for a ruling that applies to your specific situation, it is advisable to consult a qualified local scholar who can consider the details of the case and provide guidance based on the nuances of Islamic law.