Is BF-B (Brown-Forman Corporation) Halal or Haram?

Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, BF-B is Not Halal (Haram) and is not considered permissible for Muslim investors. It failed 1 of 4 compliance screens. Brown-Forman Corporation's core business activity was found to be non-compliant.

Brown-Forman Corporation is a major player in the global beverage industry, primarily known for manufacturing and distributing alcoholic spirits and wines. Its extensive portfolio includes universally recognized brands such as Jack Daniel's whiskey, Herradura tequila, and Korbel champagnes. For Muslim investors, Brown-Forman is classified as Not Halal (Haram) and must be avoided. While the company passes all financial ratio screens, it categorically fails the core business activity screen due to its direct involvement in the production and sale of intoxicants. From a strictly financial perspective, the company operates with a manageable debt-to-market cap ratio of 23.4% and holds a low cash-to-market cap ratio of 3.8%. Additionally, its interest-bearing income is almost negligible at 0.43% of total revenue, though these compliant metrics cannot override the prohibited nature of its core business. Because alcohol production is universally prohibited in Islam, there is no scholarly debate regarding the non-compliance of this stock. Islamic investors must look toward alternative consumer defensive companies that deal in permissible food and beverage products. Brown-Forman Corporation operates in the Consumer Defensive sector under the Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries industry and is headquartered in Louisville, KY, US. The company is led by CEO Lawson E. Whiting and employs approximately 5,700 people.

BF-B was screened using AAOIFI-based shariah compliance criteria. Four tests are applied: (1) Business Activity — the company's core business must not derive primary income from haram (prohibited) activities such as alcohol, gambling, tobacco, or interest-based finance. (2) Debt-to-Market-Cap — total debt must not exceed 33% of market capitalization. (3) Interest Income — interest income must not exceed 5% of total revenue. (4) Cash & Securities — cash and interest-bearing securities must not exceed 33% of market cap. BF-B passed 3 of these 4 screens.

BF-B was last screened on 2026-04-29. Shariah compliance status can change as companies report new financial data, acquire new businesses, or shift revenue streams. We recommend checking back periodically for the most up-to-date screening results.