Is alcohol haram in the Quran?
One of the most commonly used psychoactive substances worldwide is alcohol. Aside from Muslim nations, several other countries permit alcohol consumption. It may be considered a socially acceptable practice in many cultures, but Islam prohibits this deed and considers it Haram.
The Hadith, the Quran’s teachings, and the agreement of Muslim academics throughout Islamic history provide the foundation for this prohibition. This article will explain why alcohol is Haram in Islam in light of the Quran and Hadith.
Understanding the prohibition
In Islam, alcohol is viewed as Haram or prohibited. Islamic law’s two primary books, the Quran and the Hadith, forbid the consumption of alcohol. In the Qur’an and the Hadith, drinking any amount of alcohol that could result in intoxication is forbidden. Because of the harm that drinking does to individuals and society and the possibility that it will lead to other sins and vices, Islam condemns it.
What the Quran says about alcohol
Alcohol and other intoxicants are explicitly and categorically forbidden in the Quran. The Quran prohibits alcohol drinking and warns believers of the dangers and evils involved with doing so in several verses. The Quran forbids alcohol due to its adverse effects on people and society and the possibility that it will lead to other sins and vices.
Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 219, for example, forbids drinking alcohol and is one of many verses in the Quran that do so.
“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, “In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.” And they ask you what they should spend. Say, “The excess [beyond needs].” Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.”
This passage focuses on how immoral alcohol drinking is and how much more harm it causes than supposed benefits.
The negative effects of alcohol, such as impaired judgment and immoral behavior, are also mentioned in the Quran. Verse 43 of Surah An-Nisa reads as follows:
“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself, or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.”
This verse focuses on the significance of maintaining mental clarity and physical chastity during prayer and the conflict between drinking alcohol and practicing Islam.
Moreover, Muslims should note that the Quranic prohibition of alcohol is a clear and essential tenet of Islamic thought and behavior. Alcohol drinking is a severe issue for Christians due to the injuries and evils it causes and the possibility that it will lead to other vices and sins.
Why is alcohol haram?
Muslim scholars have offered many justifications for why Islam forbids Islam. The detrimental consequences that alcohol has on people and society are one of the leading causes. Alcohol clouds judgment, which encourages carelessness and accidents. Also, it has harmful health impacts like addiction and liver damage.
Also, many believe drinking opens the door to additional crimes and immorality. As stated in the Quranic verse above, it might lead to vices like adultery, gambling, and other bad habits.
Furthermore, as Islamic beliefs place a high value on self-control and discipline, the prohibition of alcohol encourages these traits. Muslims who abstain from alcohol can focus more on moral and spiritual growth instead of being sidetracked by worldly pleasures.
How much alcohol is Haram, and when can one use alcohol?
Islam forbids drinking alcohol, but this law has a few exceptions. For instance, alcohol may be a medication if no other options are available. Including alcohol in food and beverages is allowed, provided the amount is not enough to make a person drunk. To be considered halal, consumer goods with alcohol-containing additives must have a total alcohol content of less than 0.1%, including both added and any naturally occurring alcohol.
When did alcohol become Haram in Islam?
Islam did not outlaw alcohol right away. The holy book of Islam, the Quran, was revealed over 23 years, and early Muslims gradually stopped drinking alcohol throughout this time. Alcohol was forbidden when the Jews of Bani Nadir were exiled from their houses in the fourth year of the Hijra (when Muslims moved from Mecca to Medina).
Muslims during the time the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina in honor of it was highly fond of drinking and gambling. When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived, Muslims questioned him about his views on intoxication and gambling.
This stage was the first stage of the prohibition of alcohol following the divine order from Allah. Some Muslims persisted in drinking, leading to a new verse and the second stage of the ban.
Many Muslims had drunk alcohol up to that date. As the verse occurred, they vowed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not to enter places of worship while drunk. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not respond to the pledge; he remained silent.
As the times for prayer arrived, some Companions would always caution the others not to approach worship if they were inebriated. A Muslim, however, turned up to worship while inebriated.
As a result, Allah issued a second verse, which marked the third stage of his announcement of the punishments. Muslims vowed to avoid drinking and gambling after hearing the final verse.
Conclusion
Based on the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, along with the agreement of Muslim scholars, alcohol is regarded as Haram in Islam.
Muslims can concentrate on their spiritual and moral growth, encouraging self-discipline and self-control, by abstaining from alcohol. Even with a few exceptions, Muslims should avoid alcohol.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
