Alcohol is the most consumed drink in the world, with its own advantages and disadvantages. The practice of alcohol consumption at parties, at home, and at gatherings is common in most countries, except a few Muslim countries, and that is because of its taste, effects, and the ease it gave in social places.
Today, we are going to discuss whether Muslims drink alcohol, why they can’t drink it if it’s such a useful drink, and what’s stopping them from having a single drink in a day!
Can Muslims drink alcohol or beer?
Sorry, no dice for Muslims. Drink anything that does not have alcohol, like juices, water, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, milk, etc. Everything is allowed and acceptable in Islam except for what is forbidden by Allah. You can even have a beer that doesn’t contain alcohol.
The Word of God
The Quran says that Siatan will entice you into drinking alcohol and gambling, both of which are a waste of time and have a poor effect on your mind and personal life. It also consumes you to the extent that you forget why Allah has sent you to this world and forget to pray.
Therefore, will you choose the temptation the Devil is offering, or will you hold the rope of Allah? Here is the complete surah, “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?” — Surah Al-Maidah Verse 91
Alcohol has some benefits, but more drawbacks
It is medically proven that Alcohol is the best recreational drink to release anxiety and stress, and this has been the top reason for using alcohol among users. However, the Quran says that there are more disadvantages than advantages to consuming alcohol.
The Quran says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 219, 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.”
What the Prophet (PBUH) has said about alcohol?
You will be surprised to know that alcohol was consumed commonly even after Islam was introduced. However, the consumption was banned after Surah Al-Baqarah was revealed.
But before that verse, Muslims used to drink wine and other types of alcohol at every social event. This was stopped when the verse that banned alcohol consumption was revealed.
Here is a scene mentioned in the book of Sunan an-Nasai 5542, “I was pouring (wine) for Abu Talhah, Ubayy bin Ka’b and Abu Dujanah among a group of Ansar when a man came in and said: ‘Something new has happened; the prohibition of Khamr has been revealed.’ So we poured it away.” He said: “The only intoxicant in those days was Fadikh, a mixture of unripe dates and dried dates.” And Anas said: “Khamr was forbidden, and most of their Khamr in those days was Fadikh.”
The Last Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has explicitly mentioned that consumption of any intoxicant is forbidden, whether it is made from grapes, dates, wheat, or barley. The hadith is noted in Trimidhi 1872, Narrated by An-Nu’man bin Bashir, That the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Indeed Khamr comes from wheat, Khamr comes from barely, Khamr comes from dates, Khamr comes from raisins, and Khamr comes from honey.”
The Holy Prophet also warned people who were addicted to wine that they would not be forgiven and won’t be able to taste the wine of Jannah. Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Every intoxicant is khamr and every intoxicant is forbidden. He who drinks wine in this world and dies when he is addicted to it, not having repented, will not drink it in the next.” — Mishkat al-Masabih 3638
The Holy Prophet has forbidden any intoxicants to be consumed. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Every intoxicant is Khamr (wine), and every Khamr is unlawful.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3390
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Prophet (PBUH) forbade wine (khamr), game of chance (maysir), drum (kubah), and wine made from millet (ghubayrah), saying: Every intoxicant is forbidden. Abu Dawud said: Ibn Sallam Abu ‘Ubaid said: Ghubairah was an intoxicant liquor made from millet. This wine was made by the Abyssinians.
You can’t pray Salat or Fast
A person who is drunk can not offer salat or keep fast. Allah has mentioned in Suran An-Nisa Verse 41, “O believers! Do not approach prayer while intoxicated, until you are aware of what you say, nor in a state of ˹full˺ impurity.”
Drinking alcohol is considered the mother of all evil by various Hadiths. The love of Allah and the addiction to alcohol can not coexist, and one will leave.
Conclusion
In the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith, it is clearly evident that consuming alcohol is prohibited in Islam, and Muslims can’t drink alcohol due to this reason. The same is the case with eating pork and gambling.
So far, we have explained the reason why Muslims can’t drink wine and will be adding more information to this blog.
FAQs
What will happen to Muslims who drink alcohol?
A Muslim who drinks alcohol should stop consuming it and ask for forgiveness. There is forgiveness from Allah if he or she asks for it. However, if he dies without repenting, he won’t be able to taste Jannah’s wine.
Do Muslims drink alcohol?
There are a few Muslims who drink alcohol, but deeper down in their heart, they know that they are doing wrong. It’s clearly forbidden in the Quran and Hadith, so why are you doing it?
You will find Muslims celebrating Christmas, gambling, and Muslim women not covering their hair, but that does not describe Islam. The Holy Quran and Sunnah are the true descriptions of Islam.
Are Muslims allowed to drink alcohol?
After the Quranic verse was revealed, Muslims were forbidden to consume alcohol in any form. However, before that verse, Muslims were allowed to drink alcohol, and it was part of their daily routine and food.
Can Muslims drink non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, they can, and most of the Muslims do it. Beer is mainly made from barley, hops, and yeast, which are good for health. Therefore, the consumption of non-alcoholic is allowed in Islam.
Can Muslims drink non-alcoholic champagne?
Non-alcoholic champagne and sparkling wines are becoming popular. A Muslim can consume any wine, champagne, etc., that does not contain alcohol, not even 0.1%.
Can Muslims drink alcohol during Ramadan?
Muslims are forbidden by Allah to consume alcohol in any form at any time. The month is the holiest month in Islam and Muslims fasts during Ramadan, drinking alcohol wont allow you to to say prayer or keep fast. You will be intoxicated and are not allowed to pray or fast.
What happens if a Muslim accidentally drinks alcohol?
If a Muslim accidentally or unintentionally consumes alcohol, he won’t be charged with the sin. However, he must be careful next time.
What do Muslims drink instead of alcohol?
As a Muslim, you can drink whatever you can that is halal. From fresh juices to beverages and shakes, everything is for you. However, the best drink for a Muslim is the pure water of ZamZam.
Is alcohol allowed in other religions?
Alcohol is prohibited in most religions, but you will see most Christans openly drinking wine and bear. However if you read the Bible you will know that consuming alcohol is forbidden in many verses.
The Bible says in Proberbs 31 Verse 6, Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
In Proverb 20 Verse 1 the Bible says, Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
The Christans are not allowed to get drunk and asked by God to refrain for it and instead be filled with the Sprit. Its written in Ephesians Chapter 5 Verse 18, that “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,”
What are the health issues with drinking alcohol?
Alcohol has several issues on health which are often looked over. Here are a few issues on health for drinking alcohol.
Physical Health Impacts
Alcohol affects almost every organ in the body. Here’s how:
- Liver Damage: Chronic alcohol use can cause liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is a serious condition that can result from excessive drinking.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Alcohol affects the pancreas’ ability to manage insulin and blood sugar levels, posing risks for hypoglycemia and diabetes.
- Digestive Problems: Alcohol can damage the digestive tract, leading to malnutrition, ulcers, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Heart Issues: Drinking can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Here is a research published about the affected of alcohol on the human body.
Impact on the Central Nervous System
Alcohol significantly impacts the central nervous system, leading to:
- Speech and Coordination Problems: Reduced brain-body communication causes slurred speech and impaired coordination.
- Memory and Learning Impairments: Long-term use can damage areas of the brain responsible for memory and decision-making.
- Nerve Damage: Chronic alcohol use can lead to numbness and tingling in the extremities.
Risks During Pregnancy
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause severe developmental and health issues in the unborn child, such as learning disabilities, emotional problems, and physical deformities.
Cancer Risk
Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, breast, liver, and colon. The risk is even higher when alcohol is combined with tobacco use.
Psychological Effects
Alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to conditions such as alcohol-induced bipolar disorder, psychosis, and depression. Withdrawal from alcohol can also cause severe psychological symptoms, requiring medical intervention.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Over time, regular drinking can lead to alcohol dependence, characterized by cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Symptoms of withdrawal can include anxiety, tremors, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures and hallucinations.
