Islam is one of the world’s largest religions, with over 1.8 billion followers globally. One of the key tenets of Islam is the concept of abstinence from alcohol. This is rooted in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, which has been an integral part of Islamic culture and practice for over 1,400 years.
The Quran, which is the central religious text of Islam, contains several verses that prohibit the consumption of alcohol. In one verse, it says, “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90). This verse is a clear command from the Muslim God Allah to abstain from intoxicants, including alcohol and cannabis, in order to attain success in life.
The prohibition of alcohol in Islam is not limited to the Quran, however. The Hadith, which are a collection of sayings and actions of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, also emphasize abstaining from alcohol. In one Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, “Every intoxicant is khamr (wine) and every khamr is haram (forbidden)” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Intoxicants). Drinking alcohol means being forbidden to enter the sweet hereafter.
The history of Islam and alcohol
The history of Islam and alcohol abstinence can be traced back to the early days of Islam. According to historical accounts, alcohol was widely consumed in pre-Islamic Arabia, and was considered a normal part of everyday life. According to Rudi Matthee the word alcohol is Arabic in origin, deriving from al-kohl, pulverized antimony used to darken the eye lines; Muslim alchemists, most notably the Iranian Zakariya al-Razi (865–925; better known under his Latin name Rhazes) are credited with the invention of the process of distillation.
However, after the revelation of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, alcohol consumption began to decline among Muslims.
Today, alcohol abstinence remains an important part of Islamic culture and practice. Many modern Muslims choose to abstain from alcohol as a way to honor the ancient teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad.
There are a number of famous Muslims who do not drink alcohol, including world-renowned boxer Muhammad Ali, who famously said, “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I don’t take drugs. I’m living clean.”
Another example is the footballer Mesut Özil, who has spoken openly about his decision to abstain from alcohol. In an interview with UAE newspaper The National, he said, “I don’t drink, and that’s a personal choice. It’s something that I’ve always felt is important to me, and it’s part of my faith.”
There are many other Muslims around the world who choose to abstain from alcohol and drugs, even cannabis and hashish for religious reasons. This includes millions of Muslims who live in countries where alcohol consumption is legal, but who choose not to drink in order to honor the teachings of Islam.
The history of Islam and alcohol abstinence is a rich and complex one, rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith. From the early days of Islam to the present day, Muslims around the world have chosen to abstain from alcohol as a way to honor their faith and demonstrate their commitment to living a clean and pure life. While alcohol consumption remains a part of many cultures and societies around the world, the importance of abstaining from alcohol in Islam cannot be overstated.
Author: Karin Kloosterman
Karin Kloosterman is an award-winning journalist and publisher that founded Green Prophet to unite a prosperous Middle East. She shows through her work that positive, inspiring dialogue creates action that impacts people, business and planet. She has published in thought-leading newspapers and magazines globally, owns an IoT tech chip patent, and is part of teams that build world-changing products to make agriculture and our planet more sustainable. Reach out directly to [email protected]