Alcohol In Islam

Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

"They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: in both these there is great sin and also (some) profit for men; but their sin is greater than their profit..." (al Baqarah, 2:219)

"The Shaitan only desires to cause enmity and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance, and to keep you off from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. (al Ma'idah, 5: 90)

Imam Ali ar-Ridha (A) says:

"Allah has prohibited liquor on account of the evils resulting from it and because it renders reason and intellect of no effect and destroys 'Haya' - modesty and sense of shame."

The following sayings are by Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (A) and also repeated by other Imams (A):

"Do not associate with drunkards because as and when calamity befalls upon them, it will also engulf their associates (friends)" "One who sits at a dining place at which others drink liquor is cursed (by Allah)"

In modern society alcohol is the most dangerous legal drug. Under its influence, man is not only a danger to himself, but to those around him also. While it is accepted universally that excess alcohol is harmful, it is thought that in moderate amounts it can be beneficial. Islam totally forbids the consumption of alcohol in any amount. It also forbids Muslims from any involvement in its production, distribution or sale.

The greatest gift of Allah to humans is their ability to reason. This distinguishes us from all other creatures. Without our ability to reason, we become no different from the animals. It is because alcohol destroys this faculty of reason that it is Haraam.

Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (A) says: "Alcohol is the root of all evils and sins. A person who drinks alcohol loses his sanity. At that time, he does not know Allah, does not fear committing any sin, respects the rights of no one and does not desist from committing evil openly. The spirit of piety and faith departs from him and only the impure and vicious spirit, which is far off from the Mercy of Allah, remains in his body. Allah, His angels, His prophets and the true believers curse such a man, and his daily prayers are not accepted for forty days. On the Day of Judgment his face will be dark, his tongue will come out of his mouth and saliva will fall on his chest and he will desperately complain of thirst."

To eat at a table where alcohol is being served is Haraam.

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