The_prohibition_of_alcohol_in_islam
The prohibition of alcohol in the Quran was not revealed in one single
verse, but rather through three verses over time, which allowed the
muslims to wean themselves off alcohol. It has been hypothesised that
an immediate ban on alcohol would have been less successful than the
staggered approach chosen by Allah, and while on the surface this
hypothesis makes sense, the truth of this statement is something only
Allah knows.
The three verses concerning alcohol in the Quran were revealed
Alcohol is one of the tools Satan uses to distract humankind from the
worship of God. God states clearly in the Quran that Satan is an open
enemy towards humankind yet by drinking alcohol, we invite Satan into
our lives and make it easy for him to distract us from our real purpose
in life, to worship God.
“Surely, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only
invites his followers that they may become the dwellers of the blazing
Fire.” (Quran 35:6)
Alcohol affects the mind and makes sinful behaviour and evil actions
fair seeming. It creates enmity and hatred between people, prevents
them from remembering God and distracts them from praying, and
calls them to participate in unlawful sexual relationships. Alcohol
generates shame, regret, and disgrace, and renders the drinker witless.
It leads to the disclosure of secrets and exposure of faults.
“Satan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with
intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the
remembrance of God and from the prayer. So, will you not then
abstain?” (Quran 5:91)
In pre Islamic Arabia, alcohol use was widespread. To eradicate this
evil, God in His mercy revealed the prohibition in stages. First, He made
it clear to them that the harm of drinking alcohol is greater than its
benefit, next He told the Muslims not to come to prayer while
intoxicated and finally, He revealed a verse totally prohibiting alcohol.
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks),
gambling, idolatry, and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s
handiwork. So avoid that so that you may be successful.” (Quran 5:
90)
When this was revealed the Muslim citizens of Medina immediately
began to destroy and empty their alcohol containers into the streets.
Even those who were guiltlessly enjoying cups of wine spat the alcohol
from their mouths. It is said that the streets of Medina ran with
alcohol. Why then is it so difficult to expunge this evil in the
21stcentury? Believers today must completely trust God, in the same
way that the first Muslims trusted God and understood that He was
their only Protector and Provider. All power and strength comes from
God and a scourge like alcohol can be eradicated only when those
affected by alcohol turn to God with complete submission.
The Quran is a book of guidance sent to all of humankind. It is a set of
instructions from the Creator for His creation. If we follow these
instructions, our lives will be easy and tranquil, even in the face of
disaster and mishap. God links alcohol and gambling to idolatry and
declares it filthy and evil; however, He is merciful and generous
towards the believers and acknowledges the power of addiction.
Islam is committed to encouraging and facilitating those who wish to
repent from evil doing and sinful behaviour. God accepts repentance
from those who are truly sorry for their actions and committed to
staying away from sin. Muslim communities do not ostracise those
who have made mistakes but keep them within the fold of Islam
encouraging them to seek the closeness to God that will allow them to
leave sinful behaviour. Friends, family, and neighbours do not just look
away while a person destroys himself or his family. Islam is a
community-oriented faith. There is no place for an individual to do
what he wants to do, if it hurts others. Alcohol abuse affects not just
the alcoholic but also his or her family, and community. There is great
wisdom in the prohibition of alcohol.
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