Why alcohol is forbidden in Islam?

Which highly addictive substance is openly consumed everywhere, from sporting events to business meetings, is easily accessible in stores worldwide, and is approved by most societies? You are right if you assumed alcohol.

In This Article

All of the laws and commandments mentioned in the Quran are intended to preserve human beings in their natural state, which is why Islam is known as the “Deen-ul-Fitrah” or the “natural religion of man.” The haram and halal items mentioned in the Quran are also for our advantage. We are not allowed to do certain things because they may be bad for our health and us, according to Allah (swt). Alcoholic beverages do not stand out. Even though alcohol has some advantages, its disadvantages outweigh its advantages.

Alcohol is so widely used that many individuals do not consider it a drug. Although it may appear harmless, it is a depressant that slows down essential processes, leading to slurred speech, shaky limbs, and a slow reaction time. It impairs judgment and lessens a person’s capacity for rational thought.

While most people know that drinking can become dangerous, many still believe that “moderate” consumption is acceptable. Alcohol is unfortunately frequently misused and excessively consumed due to its addictive nature, which has terrible consequences for the user and those around them.

But isn’t it acceptable to consume alcohol occasionally?

God acknowledges the complexity of alcohol in the Qur’an while also acknowledging its benefits:

“They ask you, O Prophet, about intoxicants and gambling. Say, “There is great evil in both, as well as some benefit for people—but the evil outweighs the benefit.” [Quran 2:219]

God forbids the use of alcohol because its negative effects outweigh any positive ones. The purpose of this general rule is to ensure everyone’s safety as well as the safety of society at large.

Consequences of alcohol drinking

Without a doubt, there will be a better world without alcohol. The World Health Organization notes in its 2018 Global Status Report that:

3.3 million deaths each year are brought on by alcohol abuse.
Harmful alcohol use has been linked to more than 200 diseases, including liver disorders, traffic accidents, violence, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Alcohol abuse was the number one risk factor for premature death and disability among people aged 15 to 49.
People are about seven times more likely to attempt suicide immediately after drinking alcohol, and this risk rises to 37 times after heavy drinking.
Alcohol’s negative effects extend beyond those who consume it to include those who are nearby and have nothing to do with it. WHO states:

Families are negatively impacted: “Those most severely harmed by another’s drinking are likely to be other household members. Insofar as drinking, and particularly heavy drinking, is more prevalent in adult males, the family members who are female partners and children are especially likely to suffer, both in terms of the drinker’s behaviour after drinking and in terms of the resources used by the family that are shared with the drinker.

Abuse of unborn children: “The general population’s global prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy is 9.8%.” Congenital malformations, chromosomal abnormalities, prenatal and postnatal growth delays, intellectual disability, behavioural disorders, speech and language difficulties, visual and auditory impairments, cardiac deformities, and urogenital issues are some of the most prevalent health issues [caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders].”

Death and aggression: “Alcohol is thought to have contributed to an estimated 0.9 million injury deaths worldwide, including about 370,000 deaths on the roads, 150,000 deaths from self-harm, and about 90,000 deaths from interpersonal violence. 187,000 deaths from traffic accidents were caused by alcohol in people other than drivers.

Praying and drinking

The fundamental tenet of Islam and the Muslim way of life is prayer. We must perform ablution in order to properly perform our five daily prayers, which are obligatory on us. The presence of alcohol in the same space as the salat, according to Islamic scholars, does not affect the salat. Still, someone who consumes it is prohibited from praying for 40 days until and unless they sincerely repent.

Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr said in a hadith that Ibn e Majah narrated:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“Whoever drinks alcohol and gets drunk, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days and if he dies, he will go to Hell. But if he repents, Allah will accept his repentance” [Sunan Ibn Majah, 3377].

In a different hadith, the Prophet is quoted as having said:

“Liquor is the mother of many evils, and it is the most shameful of all evils: anyone who drinks liquor will neglect prayer and may commit incestuous offences.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

Islam protects people from a substance that can easily trap them and take their lives and those they care about by completely prohibiting alcohol. God has given us His laws for our protection out of His boundless mercy. While some individuals may be able to consume alcohol in moderation without endangering others, others will develop an addiction and abuse it. Alcohol abuse affects people worldwide and results in numerous avoidable fatalities, injuries, and psychological issues. Therefore, the best way to stop all the harmful effects of the drug is to outlaw it altogether.

Muslims who follow God’s instructions and abstain from alcohol can unwind, celebrate, and have fun. Even though complete abstinence from alcohol may not be expected these days, it is undoubtedly the healthiest and most moral decision.