Why is alcohol forbidden in Islam?

Answer 1

There are differing views on the use of alcohol, but teh understanding that I have is that it is forbidden due to the fact that it lessens inhibitions and is the primary driver behind immorality

Answer 2

Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur'an

"O ye who believe! Intoxicants and Gambling, (dedication of) stones,

and (divination by) arrows, are an Abomination - of Satan's handiwork;

eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper." [Al-Qur'an 5:90]

Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible

a. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is

deceived thereby is not wise." [Proverbs 20:1]

b. "And be not drunk with wine." [Ephesians 5:18]

We all know that cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among

Alcoholics

Dr Zakir Naik explains how Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre

The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This inhibitory

centre prevents the person from doing things that he considers wrong. For

instance a person does not normally use abusive language while addressing his

parents or elders. If he has to answer the call of nature, his inhibitory centre will

prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore he uses the toilet.

When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is inhibited. That

is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is often found to be indulging

in behaviour that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For instance the

intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language and does not

realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in

their clothes. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime.

Diseases associated with alcoholism

There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of consumption of

intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths in the world related to

any one particular cause is due to the consumption of alcohol. Millions of people

die every year only because of intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details

of all the ill-effects of alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below

is a simple list of few of the alcohol related illnesses:

1. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known alcohol associated disease.

2. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of

Liver (Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.

3. Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with alcohol

consumption.

4. Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and

Heart Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.

5. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are linked with

alcohol intake.

6. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are well-known

syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.

7. Wernicke - Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events,

confabulations and retainment of memory to old events with different types

of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to excessive alcohol

intake.

8. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among alcoholics. Even

Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.

9. Delerium Tremens is a serious complication that may occur during recurrent

infection of alcoholics or post operatively. It also occurs during abstention as

a sign of withdrawal effect. It is quite serious and may cause death even if

treated in well equipped centres.

10. Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been associated with Alcoholism

ranging from Myxodema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.

11. Hematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency,

however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in

Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive's syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia,

Jaundice and Hyperlipaedemia that follows alcoholic binges.

12. Thrombocytopenia and other platelet abnormalities are not rare in

alcoholics.

13. The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts badly with

alcohol.

14. Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics. The

resistance to disease and the immunological defense system are

compromised by alcohol intake.

15. Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung Abcess,

Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in alcoholics.

16. During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually vomits, the

cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily

pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may

even cause suffocation and death.

17. The ill effects of alcohol consumption on women deserves special mention.

Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men. During

pregnancy alcohol consumption has a severe detrimental effect on the

foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more and more in the

medical profession.

18. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.

19. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the nails)

and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation

Answer 3

Misconception: Alcohol is forbidden

Background: Some think that in Islam and The Quran the substance alcohol is forbidden completely in all forms, no matter the application or form.

Intoxicants are to be avoided according to The Quran:

O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and sacraments, and games of chance are foul tools used by the devil. You shall avoid him so that you may be successful. [5:90]

For example, the substance alcohol does have useful properties (e.g. it is used in medicine, food production) and can be used for these purposes:

They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say: In both of them there is a great harm and some profit/benefits for men, but their harm is greater than their profit/benefits... [2:219]

From the fruits of the palm trees and the grapes you make wine as well as a good provision. In that is a sign for a people who reason. [16:67]

Thus, the substance alcohol is not banned, but it is intoxication that is to be avoided. Interestingly, the above verse provides a powerful message to reflect on, i.e. we can use something in a positive way or in a negative way, which one will we choose?

Answer 4

Muslims are not allowed to drink alcohol.

Answer 5

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