Introduction
The prohibition of Alcohol in Islam is rooted in both spiritual and societal concerns. Alcohol, known as ākhamrā in Arabic, is considered a substance that harms not just the body but also the mind and soul. Islam encourages its followers to lead a life of purity and righteousness, and drinking Alcohol in Islam is seen as a threat to that pursuit. The prohibition of Alcohol is a clear example of how Islamic law aims to protect both the spiritual and physical well-being of individuals and communities.
The terms halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) are essential in understanding Islamic rulings. Alcohol in Islam falls under the category of haram. Unlike halal, which denotes things that are lawful and approved by Allah (SWT), haram refers to actions, substances, or behaviours that are forbidden due to their harmful consequences. In the case of Alcohol in Islam, its prohibition serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and conscious living.
Hazrat Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that Allahās Messenger (SAW) said:
āEvery intoxicant is Khamr, and every intoxicant is forbidden. He who drinks wine in this world and dies while he is addicted to it, not having repented, will not be given a drink in the Hereafter.ā [Sahih Muslim 2003a]
Prohibition of Alcohol in the Quran
The Quran addresses the issue of alcohol. The guidance regarding drinking alcohol in Islam came slowly, starting with a warning about its harmful effects and leading to a complete prohibition. This process allowed the early Muslim community to wean themselves off what had been a common practice in pre-Islamic Arabia. The stages are reflected in different Quranic verses, which show the advancement of the prohibition.
Stage 1: Caution Regarding Alcohol
The first verse that addresses alcohol doesnāt explicitly prohibit it but instead warns about its harm. Allah (SWT) says,
In this verse, Allah (SWT) informs the Muslims that although alcohol and gambling may have some benefits, such as economic gain or temporary pleasure, the sin and harm caused by these activities are much more significant. This verse serves as the first step in discouraging the consumption of alcohol.
Stage 2: Prohibition During Prayer Times
The second stage involves a stronger restriction on alcohol consumption, mainly focusing on its effect on a personās ability to perform prayers properly. This verse prohibits approaching prayer in a state of intoxication, thus linking the clarity of mind to spiritual purity.
This verse does not completely forbid alcohol, but it limits its use during prayer. This restriction was significant because Muslims were required to pray five times daily. It would naturally reduce the frequency of alcohol consumption, as a person could not be intoxicated during prayer.
Stage 3: Complete Prohibition of Alcohol
The final and most strong stage is the complete prohibition of Alcohol. In these verses, alcohol is described as a tool of Satan, along with gambling and idolatry, and believers are commanded to avoid it completely. One of the key verses about drinking alcohol in Islam is found in Surah Al-Maāidah.
The following verse declares alcohol as completely forbidden (haram). It describes alcohol as defilement and an evil tool used by Satan to create conflict and prevent believers from worshipping Allah (SWT). These verses definitively prohibit alcohol, leaving no room for ambiguity about its permissibility.
As Islam grew and spread, the prohibition of alcohol became a universally recognized aspect of the religion. Scholars from all significant schools of thought in Islamic law (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafiāi, and Hanbali) collectively agree that alcohol is haram in Islam.
Hadith About Alcohol
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly warned his followers about the dangers of Alcohol, referring to it as
Hazrat Abu Darda (RA) narrated that:
āDo not drink wine, for it is the key to all evils.ā [Sunan Ibn Majah 3371]
This Hadith emphasizes how alcohol can lead to other sinful acts, such as violence, theft, and adultery.
Alcohol in Pre-Islamic Arabia
In pre-Islamic Arabia, alcohol consumption was a general and accepted part of social life. Wine and other alcoholic beverages were regularly consumed at feasts, tribal gatherings, and celebrations without any religious or moral prohibitions. Drinking was seen as a way to bond within and between crews, and there was little awareness of the potential harmful effects.
The poets of the Jahiliyyah (the Age of Ignorance) period frequently praised wine in their verses, portraying it as a symbol of luxury and enjoyment. Alcohol was accessible to all, from the wealthy elite to the common people, making it a significant aspect of the cultural fabric of Arab society. However, this culture of drinking also led to notable societal problems, such as increased violence and disorder, as well as a general lack of self-control in certain situations.
Worship Invalid After Drinking
When Muslims consume alcohol, their connection with Allah (SWT) is weakened. Islam emphasizes spiritual purity, so acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and Hajj require physical and mental cleanliness. Alcohol impairs the mind, disrupting this purity and compromising the validity of prayer.
The spiritual consequences of consuming alcohol are severe. According to a Hadith, alcohol consumption renders a personās prayers invalid for forty days, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental and spiritual clarity in oneās worship. It states:
Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
āWhoever drinks wine and gets drunk, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days, and if he dies he will enter Hell, but if he repents, Allah (SWT) will accept his repentance. If he drinks wine again and gets drunk, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days, and if he dies he will enter Hell, but if he repents, Allah (SWT) will accept his repentance. If he drinks wine again and gets drunk, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days, and if he dies he will enter Hell, but if he repents Allah (SWT) will accept his repentance. But if he does it again, then Allah (SWT) will most certainly make him drink of the mire of the puss or sweat on the Day of Resurrection.ā They said: āO Messenger of Allah (SAW), what is the mire of the pus or sweat? He (SAW) said: āThe drippings of the people of Hell.ā [Sunan Ibn Majah 3377]
This Hadith emphasizes the severe impact that drinking alcohol in Islam has on someoneās worship. Even though a person must continue to pray after drinking, the spiritual reward and connection with Allah (SWT) are disrupted for forty days.
Punishment for Drinking Alcohol
Islamic law considers the drinking of Alcohol a major sin due to its harmful effects on individuals and society.
The Prophet (SAW) said: āIf they (the people) drink wine, flog them, again if they drink it, flog them. Again if they drink it, kill them.ā [Sunan Abi Dawud 4482]
Number of Lashes
There is some variation in the number of lashes prescribed for drinking Alcohol, depending on different schools of thought in Islamic jurisprudence:
- During the Prophetās (SAW) time, the punishment was typically 40 lashes.
- Caliph Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) increased the punishment to 80 lashes to further highlight the severity of the crime as the consumption of Alcohol became more widespread.
Note: It's important to consult with qualified Islamic scholars for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific punishments in different Islamic jurisdictions.
Repentance for Drinking Alcohol
In Islam, repentance for drinking alcohol, as with any sin, is a sincere process known as Tawbah. This involves turning back to Allah (SWT) with genuine guilt and a firm commitment to avoid repeating the sin in the future. Islam highlights Allahās (SWT) boundless mercy, and He is always ready to forgive those who sincerely repent. The process of repentance for consuming alcohol includes several key steps:
- Must feel genuine guilt for having consumed Alcohol.
- Make a firm and sincere intention never to drink Alcohol again.
- Pray to Allah (SWT) and ask for His forgiveness. such as,
O Allah Almighty, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, give me health, and provide for me.
Additionally, Islam encourages increasing good deeds after sinning. Acts such as giving charity, fasting, or other righteous actions help in purifying the soul and strengthening oneās connection with Allah (SWT).
Drinking Alcohol in Dream
In Islamic tradition, dreams are significant as they often reflect a personās inner state or spiritual journey. Drinking alcohol in a dream is generally considered a warning in Islam. It is believed to represent confusion or a lapse in judgment. Dreams of alcohol may symbolize a personās struggle with sinful desires or indicate that they are straying from the righteous path.
People Also Ask
Q1. Can you drink Alcohol during Ramadan?
No, Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol at any time, including during Ramadan. Consuming alcohol not only violates Islamic teachings but also nullifies the fast, as it goes against the principles of physical and spiritual purity required during the holy month of Ramadan.
Q2. Can Muslims drink Alcohol?
The Quran explicitly prohibits the consumption of alcohol. Muslims believe that alcohol is a harmful substance that leads to negative consequences, both physically and spiritually. It is considered a major sin and is strictly forbidden for all believers.
Q3. Can we use alcoholic perfume in Islam?
In Islam, scholars debate whether itās permissible to use perfumes containing alcohol. Some argue that itās allowed because the alcohol in perfumes is typically altered to make it undrinkable, so itās not considered impure (najas). Since these perfumes are intended to make the body smell nice and not for consumption, they believe itās acceptable to use them.
However, other scholars advise against using perfumes containing alcohol derived from dates or grapes (the same ingredients used to make alcohol for drinking). They argue that using these types of perfumes may invalidate certain acts of worship, such as praying.
So, there are differing opinions, but many scholars permit the use of perfumes with alcohol as long as itās not the type used in alcoholic beverages.
Q4. Can you drink non-alcoholic beer in Islam?
The consumption of non-alcoholic beer in Islam is a topic that has different opinions among scholars. The main issue is whether the small amount of Alcohol found in non-alcoholic beer makes it haram (forbidden).
Some scholars say that even a tiny bit of Alcohol is not allowed because it could lead people toward drinking actual Alcohol, which is forbidden in Islam. Others believe that if the drink doesnāt cause intoxication, it might be permissible.
Q5. What happens if you drink Alcohol in Islam?
When you consume alcohol, it leads to spiritual consequences, necessitating repentance (Tawbah) to seek Allahās (SWT) forgiveness. In Islamic jurisprudence, the punishment can include lashes or, depending on the legal system.
Q6. Why donāt Muslims drink Alcohol?
Muslims donāt drink Alcohol because it is forbidden in the Quran and Sunnah.
Q7. Can Alcohol be taken as medicine in Islam?
The use of Alcohol in medicine within Islamic law is a complex issue and depends on different factors. However, its use in medicine is not outright banned if certain conditions are met. Islamic scholars have provided guidance based on the principle that necessities may permit prohibitions, especially when no halal (permissible) alternative is available. Medicines that contain Alcohol as an inactive ingredient and do not cause intoxication may be considered permissible.
Q8. How to stop drinking Alcohol in Islam?
To stop drinking Alcohol, we should:
- Recognize it as a sin and make sincere Tawbah (repentance).
- Avoid environments and people that encourage drinking.
- Increase good deeds and strengthen our faith through prayer and community support.
- Seek professional help if needed, as addiction treatment can also play a role.
Q9. In Islam, is smoking hash the same as drinking Alcohol?
Yes, in Islam, the smoking hash is considered similar to drinking Alcohol because both substances cause intoxication and impair a personās ability to think clearly and make sound judgments. Islam prohibits anything that intoxicates or alters the mind, as it leads to harmful behavior and distracts from religious duties. Just like Alcohol, hash and other drugs are considered haram (forbidden) because they can lead to addiction, harm the body, and affect a personās spirituality.
