Is Soy Sauce Halal Or Haram? Best Information

Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam

Is Soy Sauce Halal: If you’re a fan of soy sauce but aren’t sure if soy sauce is halal or haram, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of the question and provide you with the answer. Let’s dive in!

Nowadays, soy sauce is used in almost every home as a dip and has become an integral part of various dishes. It adds tons of flavor to stir fry and Chinese food, giving them a unique and delicious taste.

But, with the rise of awareness about food and its ingredients, a question that pops up in our mind is: Is soy sauce halal or haram?

The fact of the matter is that most soy sauce nowadays is considered to be halal, as long as it doesn’t contain any haram ingredients.

This is due to the fact that while some brands have a 2-3% alcohol content after they have been brewed and fermented, it is not enough to actually intoxicate anyone and can therefore be regarded as Halal.

What Is Soy Sauce?

Is Soy Sauce Halal: Soy sauce is an indispensable condiment in Japanese cuisine, one of the most highly regarded cuisines in the world.

It is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It is a dark brown liquid with a salty, savory flavor and is used as a seasoning in many Asian cuisines. 

Soy sauce is often added to marinades, sauces, and stir-fries, and is also used as a dipping sauce for sushi and other dishes. *Is Soy Sauce Halal

There are many different types of soy sauce, which vary in flavor, color, and saltiness, depending on the specific production methods used.

Is Soy Sauce Halal or Haram?

Yes. It is halal. The simple answer is that while certain products include 2-3% alcohol after being brewed and fermented, it is not enough to intoxicate you, making soy sauce Halal.

Some Muslims say that if the alcohol used to produce Soy Sauce is sourced from grapes, dates, or raisins, it is Haram.

Soy sauce is made naturally by fermenting soybeans and wheat, which are then mixed with salt and water.

The fermentation process generates a number of chemicals, including alcohol, which is normally present at levels of 2-3%. 

As a result, persons who follow particular Islamic dietary regulations may consider this form of soy sauce to be haram or religiously banned.*Is Soy Sauce Halal

However, this much alcohol is incapable of making you intoxicated, making soy sauce all halal to consume. 

The basic process for making soy sauce involves fermenting soybeans and wheat for several months to several years, then pressing the mixture to extract the liquid.

The liquid is then blended with salt and sometimes other ingredients such as spices or flavorings, and left to mature for several months or up to two years.

In addition to the different types of soy sauce, there are also regional variations, such as Japanese soy sauce, Chinese soy sauce, and Korean soy sauce, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some variations are sweeter, saltier, or more savory than others.

Views of Fatwa On Soy Sauce

According to Islamic law, alcohol produced through natural processes such as fermentation is generally considered haram (prohibited) for consumption. 

However, there are differing opinions among Islamic scholars as to whether fermented products that do not have intoxicating effects, such as soy sauce, are considered halal (permissible).

In general, it's recommended to follow the guidance of a trusted Islamic authority or consult with a knowledgeable religious scholar to determine the permissibility of any food product. 

Some Muslims choose to avoid fermented products altogether, while others consume them with the understanding that the alcohol content is negligible.

Mustafa Umar in his fatwa expresses his thoughts on the subject:

“The fermenting process does not render a product impermissible [haram] to ingest. The issue is whether the product ferments or intoxicates like wine.”

“When wine becomes vinegar it is lawful…it is not disapproved to make wine into vinegar.” 

– Imam Quduri

“If the alcohol used in preparing soy sauce is derived from other than grapes, dates, and raisins and it is not at a concentration which intoxicates, such soy sauce is permissible to use.” 

–  Mufti Faraz Adam

(source)

Presence Of Alcohol In Soy Sauce

Is Soy Sauce Halal: Typically made from wheat and salt, the fermentation process of soy sauce results in the production of ethanol which gives it that distinct flavor.

However, even with these additions, the amount of alcohol in the finished product is typically very low- usually less than 1% per serving. 

This makes the dish safe to consume and suitable for those adhering to dietary restrictions based on religion and personal choice.

While most people may not think about the presence of alcohol in their meals, it’s an important component of many cultural cuisines around the world.

Kikkoman soy sauce, which is naturally brewed, contains 1.7% or more alcohol, which makes it haram for some Muslims. 

Kirkkoman’s All Purpose soy sauce, on the other hand, is made with water and hydrolyzed soybeans and does not contain alcohol. 

Some Muslims believe that small amounts of alcohol are haram, but drinking large amounts of soy sauce can be dangerous, as demonstrated by a 2013 incident where a teen was hospitalized after drinking a bottle of soy sauce.

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Soy Sauce Substitutes That Are Halal

Kikkoman’s All-Purpose Soy Sauce

Kikkoman’s All Purpose Soy Sauce is a type of soy sauce that is made without alcohol and is suitable for use in a variety of dishes. It is made using water, soybeans, and salt, which are fermented and then blended to produce the final product. It is both gluten-free and halal.

Bragg Liquid Aminos All Purpose Seasoning Soy Sauce

Bragg Liquid Aminos All Purpose Seasoning Soy Sauce is a type of soy sauce alternative that is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional soy sauce.

It is made from soybeans that have been fermented with water and salt. Unlike traditional soy sauce, it does not contain alcohol or gluten and is considered halal to consume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The answer to the question ‘Is soy sauce halal or haram?’ may be summed up in one word: ‘yes’. It is a common condiment made from fermented soybeans and wheat. The fermentation process breaks down the complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, which gives soy sauce its distinct flavor. 

There are many brands of soy sauce available on the market, so it is important to read the label to make sure it does not contain any alcohol or artificial flavoring. When in doubt, always check with your local imam or Muslim scholar to be certain.

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