Why is Alcohol prohibited in Islam? Know its Rationale & Significance

Islam is possibly the only religion that completely prohibits all kinds of intoxicating drinks and substances.

Not only there is complete prohibition but there are also strict punishments both for those who consume them as well those who sell them.

The prohibition of alcohol and intoxicating substances in Islam stands as a fundamental tenet of the faith, representing a cornerstone of moral and spiritual guidance for millions of adherents around the world.

Rooted in the Quranic revelations and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, this prohibition carries deep historical and cultural significance.

It serves as a powerful testament to Islam’s commitment to promoting individual and societal well-being, as well as a reminder of the transformative impact of religious values on the lives of believers.

In this article, we delve into the comprehensive ban on alcohol and intoxicants in Islam, exploring its origins, rationale, and enduring influence on the lives of Muslims.

We also examine the broader implications of this prohibition on both personal conduct and communal life, shedding light on its relevance in contemporary society.

Alcohol Consumption in Arabia before the revival of Islam

Before the revival of Islam in Arabia, the consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances was prevalent and deeply ingrained in the social fabric of the Arabian Peninsula.

Alcohol, known as “khamr,” was a common indulgence among various tribes and communities. It was often brewed from dates or grains and served at social gatherings, feasts, and religious ceremonies.

Intoxicating substances, including various herbal concoctions and narcotics, were also used recreationally. These practices contributed to a culture of excess, and alcohol-fueled disputes and violence were not uncommon.

However, the revival of Islam in the 7th century brought about significant changes, including the prohibition of alcohol and intoxicants, which played a pivotal role in reshaping Arabian society and its values.

Complete Prohibition on Intoxicating Substances

The ban on intoxication in Arabia was a significant development brought about by the advent of Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

This prohibition was introduced gradually, with the Quranic revelations addressing the issue over time.

One of the earliest verses revealed on the subject is from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219), where the Quran acknowledges that there is some benefit in alcohol but states that its harms outweigh the benefits.

The final and most explicit prohibition came in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91), which categorically declared the consumption of alcohol and gambling as sinful acts, saying, “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.”

Relevant Quranic Verses on Prohibition

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.” They ˹also˺ ask you ˹O Prophet˺ what they should donate. Say, “Whatever you can spare.” This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you ˹believers˺, so perhaps you may reflect. Holy Quran 2:219

O believers! Do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you are aware of what you say, nor in a state of ˹full˺ impurity—unless you merely pass through ˹the mosque˺—until you have bathed. But if you are ill, on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or been intimate with your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth, wiping your faces and hands. And Allah is Ever-Pardoning, All-Forgiving. Holy Quran 4:43

O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful. Holy Quran 5:90

Satan’s plan is to stir up hostility and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and to prevent you from remembering Allah and praying. Will you not then abstain? Holy Quran 5:91

By your life ˹O Prophet˺, they certainly wandered blindly, intoxicated ˹by lust˺. Holy Quran 15:72

And from the fruits of palm trees and grapevines you derive intoxicants as well as wholesome provision. Surely in this is a sign for those who understand. Holy Quran 16:67

Relevant Hadiths on Prohibition

Narrated Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “All drinks that produce intoxication are Haram (forbidden to drink). Sahih al-Bukhari 242

Narrated `Aisha: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was asked about Al-Bit. He said, “All drinks that intoxicate are unlawful (to drink.) Sahih al-Bukhari 5585

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “Khamr was forbidden in and of itself in small or large amounts, as was every kind of intoxicating drink.”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that: A man asked about drinks and he said: “Avoid everything that intoxicates.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 5696

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited. Sunan Abi Dawud 3681

It was narrated from ‘Aishah, narrating it from the Prophet (ﷺ):
“Every drink that causes intoxication is unlawful.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3386

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “Whoever drinks Khamr and does not get intoxicated, his Salah will not be accepted so long as any trace of it remains in his belly or his veins, and if he dies he will die a Kafir. If he becomes intoxicated his Salah will not be accepted for 40 nights, and if he dies during them, he will die a Kafir.” (Sahih Mawquf) Sunan an-Nasa’i 5668

It was narrated that Abu Al-Juwairiyah said: “I heard Ibn ‘Abbas when he was asked: ‘Advise us about Badhiq (a drink made from the juice of grapes slightly boiled).’ He said: ‘Muhammad PBUH came before Badhiq (i.e., it was not known during his time), but everything that intoxicates is unlawful.'” Sunan an-Nasa’i 5606

Ibn Buraida reported on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: I forbade you to visit graves, but you may now visit them; I forbade you to eat the flesh of sacrificial animals after three days, but you way now keep it as along as you feel inclined; and I forbade you nabidh except in a water-skin, you may drink it from all kinds of water-skins, but you must not drink anything intoxicating. Sahih Muslim 977a

Narrated Abu Al-Juwairiyya: I asked Ibn `Abbas about Al-Badhaq. He said, “Muhammad PBUH prohibited alcoholic drinks before It was called Al-Badhaq (by saying), ‘Any drink that intoxicates is unlawful.’ I said, ‘What about good lawful drinks?’ He said,’Apart from what is lawful and good, all other things are unlawful and not good (unclean Al-Khabith). Sahih al-Bukhari 5598

Punishment for consuming or selling Intoxicating Substances

Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If he is intoxicated, flog him; again if he is intoxicated, flog him; again if he is intoxicated, flog him if he does it again a fourth time, kill him. Abu Dawud said: And there is a similar tradition of Umar ibn Abu Salamah, from his father, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, from the Prophet (ﷺ): If he drinks wine, flog him if he does it so again, a fourth time, kill him. Abu Dawud said: And there is similar tradition of Suhail from Abu Salih on the authority of Abu Hurairah, from the Prophet (ﷺ): It they drink a fourth time, kill them. And there is similar tradition of Ibn Abi Nu’m on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar from Prophet (ﷺ). There is also similar tradition of ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Amr from the Prophet (ﷺ), and from Sharid from the Prophet (ﷺ). And in the tradition of al-Jadli from Mu’awiyah, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: If he does so again third or fourth time, kill him. Sunan Abi Dawud 4484

Thaur b. Zaid ad-Dailami told that ‘Umar sought counsel about the prescribed punishment for drinking wine and ‘Ali said to him, “I think you should give one who drinks it eighty lashes, for when he drinks he becomes intoxicated, when he is intoxicated he raves, and when he raves he makes up lies.” So ‘Umar inflicted eighty lashes as the punishment prescribed for drinking wine. Malik transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 3624

Narrated Uqba bin Al-Harith: An-Numan or the son of An-Numan was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) in a state of intoxication. The Prophet felt it hard (was angry) and ordered all those who were present in the house, to beat him. And they beat him, using palm-leaf stalks and shoes, and I was among those who beat him. Sahih al-Bukhari 6775

Yahya related to me from Malik from Thawr ibn Zayd ad-Dili that Umar ibn al-Khattab asked advice about a man drinking wine. Ali ibn Abi Talib said to him, “We think that you flog him for it with eighty lashes. Because when he drinks, he becomes intoxicated, and when he becomes intoxicated, he talks confusedly, and when he talks confusedly, he lies.” (80 lashes is the same amount as for slandering) Umar gave eighty lashes for drinking wine. Muwatta Malik Book 42, Hadith 2.

Reaction of tribal Arabs to this Prohibition

The reaction to this prohibition varied among the people of Arabia. Some individuals and tribes resisted the ban initially due to their attachment to these practices.

However, the leadership and exemplary character of Prophet Muhammad PBUH played a crucial role in influencing public opinion.

The Hadith, the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet, include numerous instances where he emphasized the harmful effects of alcohol and intoxicants, further reinforcing the prohibition.

As a result, many people gradually began to abandon these substances voluntarily. The moral and social transformation brought about by Islam’s prohibition of intoxicants in Arabia is well-documented in Islamic texts and historical accounts, with communities transitioning from a culture of excess to one that prioritized spiritual and moral values.

Religious and Secular Significance

Prohibition of alcohol and intoxicating substances in Islam is grounded in both religious and secular reasons, each carrying significant importance in shaping the Islamic worldview and societal values. Here is a list of these reasons and their significance:

Religious Reasons behind Prohibition

1. Quranic Guidance: The Quran, Islam’s holy scripture, explicitly prohibits intoxicants in multiple verses, including Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219) and Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91). These verses serve as divine guidance, emphasizing that intoxicants are impure and harmful to the soul.
2. Submission to Allah’s Will: Central to Islam is the concept of submission to the will of Allah (God). The prohibition of alcohol and intoxicants demonstrates obedience to God’s commands, showcasing one’s faith and devotion.
3. Spiritual Purity: Islam places a strong emphasis on spiritual purity and moral integrity. Alcohol and intoxicants are seen as corrupting influences that cloud judgment and hinder spiritual growth, making it essential to abstain from them.
4. Preservation of Mental Faculties: Sobriety is considered crucial for the proper exercise of one’s mental faculties. By avoiding intoxicants, individuals can make sound moral and ethical decisions and fulfill their religious obligations more effectively.

Secular Reasons behind Prohibition

1. Public Health: The harmful physical and psychological effects of alcohol and intoxicating substances are well-documented. Prohibition safeguards public health by reducing the risks associated with substance abuse, including addiction, accidents, and chronic health problems.
2. Social Cohesion: The prohibition fosters social cohesion and harmony by minimizing the negative consequences of alcohol-related issues such as domestic violence, crime, and family breakdowns.
3. Economic Stability: By reducing the demand for alcohol, Islamic societies can avoid the economic burden of treating alcohol-related illnesses and the costs associated with addressing alcohol-related social problems.
4. Cultural and Ethical Identity: Prohibition reinforces the cultural and ethical identity of Islamic communities. It sets a distinctive moral framework that distinguishes Islam from other belief systems and promotes a strong sense of shared values and identity among believers.

Significance of this Prohibition

The prohibition of alcohol and intoxicating substances in Islam holds profound significance:

1. Spiritual Fulfillment: It enables Muslims to lead spiritually fulfilling lives by aligning their actions with their faith, purifying their souls, and seeking closeness to God.
2. Social Stability: It contributes to the establishment of more stable and harmonious societies by reducing the negative social and health consequences associated with substance abuse.
3. Ethical Framework: It provides a clear and unambiguous ethical framework for Muslims, helping them navigate moral dilemmas and make responsible choices.
4. Cultural Identity: It plays a pivotal role in preserving the cultural and religious identity of Islamic communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared values among believers.

Case of Drugs and Medical Interventions

In Islam there is a rule which validates the use or consumption of even haram or explicitly prohibited things when it comes to saving life.

For instance, everyone knows flesh of swine, carrion, and blood is forbidden but if one is forced by hunger, there are no other alternatives to save oneself from dying from hunger, then even these forbidden things become permissible to eat.

The same rule applies to consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances. Most Islamic scholars agree that these could be used medically to save human life.

Mughal Emperor Babur’s Example

Mughal Emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, was known for his fondness for wine, which was a common indulgence among the Timurid nobility of his time.

However, as he faced the formidable Rajput leader Maharana Sangram Singh, also known as Rana Sanga, in the pivotal Battle of Khanwa in 1527, Babur made a significant personal sacrifice.

Recognizing the gravity of the upcoming battle and the need for unwavering focus and sobriety, he made the momentous decision to abstain from alcohol. In his oft-quoted memoir Baburnama, he has written-

“That night and next day some 300 Begs (Army Commanders) and persons of the household, soldiers and not soldiers, renounced wine. What wine we had with us was poured on the ground. What Baba Dost had brought was ordered salted to make vinegar. At the place where the wine was poured upon the ground, a well was ordered to be dug, built up with stone and having an almshouse beside it.”

This choice demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his newly established empire and his determination to lead his troops with clarity and resolve on the battlefield.

Ultimately, this decision played a crucial role in the Mughal victory over intoxicated Rajputs at Khanwa, solidifying Babur’s position in Indian history as a strategic and adaptable leader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prohibition of alcohol and intoxicants in Islam serves as a multifaceted guideline rooted in both religious doctrine and pragmatic considerations.

It underscores the importance of personal and societal well-being, morality, and adherence to God’s commandments in the lives of both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Furthermore, Islam provides a nuanced approach, permitting the use of haram substances, including alcohol and intoxicants, in cases of medical necessity, underlining the faith’s commitment to preserving human life.

In today’s contemporary society, the relevance of Islam’s prohibition on alcohol and intoxicants remains as it continues to guide the moral and ethical choices of millions of believers, fostering spiritual growth, social harmony, and a strong cultural identity among Islamic communities.

This prohibition serves as a testament to the enduring influence of religious values in shaping individual conduct and communal life.