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ALCOHOL IS FORBIDDEN IN ISLAM

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Sir,

Alcohol consumption has become a fundamental cause of crime globally. This addiction is inherent in modern society and seems to be on the rise because of accessibility. Islam is the only religion that has categorically prohibited alcohol for the good of society.


Although it is argued that drunkenness is a sin according to the Bible, the fact that biblical scripture permits alcohol consumption paves the way to a hazardous habit which was not even practised by Jesus himself.


In contrast to biblical scripture, the Holy Qur’an categorically forbids the consumption of alcohol. In order to completely eradicate the consumption of alcohol, the Arab mentality, that it was acceptable, was first changed by Qur’anic teachings, thus everything else followed as a natural consequence of this change in attitude. Like the abolishment of slavery, Islam’s teachings regarding alcohol struck at the very root of the problem and changed perceptions first.


The very first Qur’anic revelation mentioning wine is mentioned in Chapter 16, Verse 68: “And of the fruits of the date-palms and the grapes, whence you obtain intoxicating drink and wholesome food. Verily, in that is a Sign for a people who make use of their reason.”
This verse speaks about both the good and bad sustenance derived from the same source, ie dates and grapes. The wisdom in this Qur’anic revelation was to focus the attention of the Muslims towards intoxicating drinks and to allow them to reflect on the issue themselves. 
Following this revelation, alcohol was prohibited in three stages:


God first discouraged the believers from drinking wine, drawing to attention the fact that there was greater evil than benefit in intoxicants. Chapter 2, Verse 220 states, “They ask thee concerning wine and the game of hazard. Say: ‘In both there is great sin and also some advantages for men; but their sin is greater than their advantage.’”


Muslims were next forbidden to pray while intoxicated. Chapter 4, Verse 44 states, “O ye who believe! Approach not prayer when you are not in full possession of your senses, until you know what you say.” The fact that there were five prayers spread throughout the day (from before sunrise to after sunset), encouraged sincere Muslims to abandon the habit. Prayer was promoted and given precedence over drinking because the Muslim Salat (obligatory prayer) is fundamentally a purifying experience that safeguards one from committing sin and acting unrighteously.


Finally, alcohol consumption was deemed an abomination of Satan’s handiwork and was definitively and strictly forbidden. Chapter 5, Verses 91-92 state, “O ye who believe! Wine and the game of hazard and idols and divining arrows are only an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So shun each one of them that you may prosper. Satan desires only to create enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and the game of hazard, and to keep you back from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. But will you keep back?”

Abbas Bin Suleman 

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