Consumption of Alcohol - What Islam Says About It?

[Unashamed]

I have a problem understanding . what the Quran says about alcohol

In the Quran alcohol is described as an abomination of Satans handiwork.
Yet in Paradise the Quran says there will be rivers of wine. Why is something haram on earth yet given in excess in paradise ? Is it a problem with translation or is there something different about the wine in paradise ?

93 O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, dedication of stones, and divination by arrows, are an abomination,– of Satan’s handwork: eschew such abomination, that ye may prosper.

Su 76:21 Upon them will be green Garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine Pure and Holy.

Su 83:25 Their thirst will be slaked with Pure Wine sealed:

Su 47:15 Here is a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. Can those in such Bliss be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels to pieces?

[TheEH]

Alcohol in Jannah will not be the same alcohol in this world. The wine of jannah will not be intoxicating as it is in this world, and so can you even still call it alcohol??

:D

[dancer]

The other day a non-Muslim friend claimed that according to modern studies, a glass of wine is supposed to be good for the health. So, they find it confusing why Islam does not allow the consumption of alcohol "in moderation"?

Actually I find this quite simple to follow. To my understanding, I should not be drinking even in moderation, not even a drop. If a glass of wine a day is good for my health, it could be bad for my habits. Just a glass a day could gradually get me hooked on to it in a few years or sooner. The possibility is always there. After all, no one is born an alcoholic. This is how it always starts involving an intoxicant .. with 'just a glass a day.' Even those who have been most confident of keeping things under control have found themselves slipping away uncontrollably. So why take any risks? If a glass of wine is good for the health (and not to mention that this 'verdict' of medical & diet experts which stands today could very well change anytime in future), there are plenty of other non-intoxicating stuff good for the health too. It is quite unnecessary to consume an intoxicant for health benefits and take the risk of getting stuck with it when similar benefits (and more) can easily be derived from so many other non-alcoholic sources.

Just for everyone's information, if a person wants to get the "benefit" of a glass of wine, they should simply buy some fresh green or purple grapes from the grocery shop and eat them. This is the view of medical experts, not commoners. By the way, this brings about an interesting Divine prediction. Allah (Most Merciful) says, that there is some benefit in wine but the harm is greater, thus it ought to be avoided. Allah already knew more than 1400 years ago that medical experts today will discover that 'little benefit,' so He told us about it. This is yet another amazing prophecy of the Glorious Qur'aan.

In any case, coming back to the topic of consuming alcohol, I've seen too many tragic consequences of alcohol on homes & families among people I've known personally to ever encourage anyone into it. If I want to protect myself from the negative consequences of drinking and I consider it undesirable for myself, I'd say the same to others.

Allah has made it crystal clear in the Glorious Qur'aan that He does not want people to consume alcohol. There's no mincing of words in it.

"O ye who believe! Strong drink and games of chance and idols and divining arrows are only an infamy of Satan's handiwork. Leave it aside in order that ye may succeed." (5:90) Al-Maidah

Many non-Muslims and even Muslims are of the opinion that the language of the Qur'aan suggests that alcohol is discouraged, not forbidden. Personally I disagree again. Whether discouraged or forbidden, practically it makes no difference. Even if the Qur'aan 'discourages' a certain thing instead for 'forbidding' it, it must still be avoided. Different dictates can be said in different words and yet carry the same basic meaning. It all depends how well one is able to grasp the sense of what one is reading. The Glorious Qur'aan plainly disallows the consumption of alcohol. Twisting it for personal motives is a different issue and a violation.

It does not matter if the word 'haram' is not mentioned. It's not essential to mention that term for disallowing every wrong act. Indeed there are grades of prohibition, depending upon the substance or situation. But that does not mean we must keep seeking for the word 'haram' only for the purpose of justifying something we personally desire when Allah has otherwise clearly told us to avoid it.

Interpreting the Divine Scripture according to one's own likes and dislikes has been an universal trend among humans since centuries and it still exists. Any Divine message which the people don't find pleasing or suitable is either altered or denied. Allah (The Most High) has expounded this precise human trend in the following verse.

"We made a covenant of old with the Children of Israel and We sent unto them messengers. As often as a messenger came unto them with that which their souls desired not (they became rebellious). Some (of them) they denied and some they slew." (5:70) Al-Maidah

[TheEH]

Good post...

something is made haraam when the negatives outweigh the positives...

:)

[Peacenik]

True for ALLAH (SWT) says that even though there are benefits to alcohol, the disadvantages are too great for it to be harmless.

Therefore, it has been prohibited altogether.


:salam:

[myname_SQ]

Intoxication is not the same as alcohol.

[TRUREL]

Intoxication is not the same as alcohol.

Surely, even if you follow only the Intoxication interpretation (Strong) or ISTR another argument that it might have been an early ebargo on the Jews who held a near monopoly on grapes, you can't argue that the net result of prohibition has not been nearly entirely positive. Even the US recognised a deliterious effect on its society but measures were too hard to introduce as it was ingrained in the culture.

[dancer]

and Islam cuts things off at the roots...there is no such thing as "in moderation"


Yes ..in regard to addictive intoxicants and lewd habits, there's no such thing as moderation.

But otherwise, concerning a rational & pious approach to life, moderation is one of the most important cornerstones of Islam.

[dancer]

Intoxication is not the same as alcohol.

Maybe .. but the intoxicants mentioned in the Qur'aan refer specifically to alcoholic drinks or similar addictives that would make one lose control of their human faculties.

[judoanswersall]

If it wasn't for beer - I never would have gotten married!

[dancer]

Yes ..in regard to addictive intoxicants and lewd habits, there's no such thing as moderation.

But otherwise, concerning a rational & pious approach to life, moderation is one of the most important cornerstones of Islam.


A clarification of my above mentioned message:

In regard to addictive intoxicants and lewd habits, there's no such thing as moderation in Islam. It must be complete abstinence.

But in other matters moderation is very important, for example ..

- The Qur'aan says that while offering salaat, one shouldn't be too loud voiced nor too silent but follow a way in between.

- Also, while spending, one must not be too extravagant nor too stingy.

- A person convicted of a crime should be punished in accordance with the severity of the offence committed.


And there are many more such aspects where moderation is vital.

[TheEH]

Maybe .. but the intoxicants mentioned in the Qur'aan refer specifically to alcoholic drinks or similar addictives that would make one lose control of their human faculties.

So how did you come to that conclusion?

:I

[x x S A L M A x x]

So how did you come to that conclusion?

:I

why you always picking on her? I agree with her..

[TheEH]

LOL, why do you assume I am picking on her? What about my 70 excuses? Im gonna go cry to my teddy bear now... :(

[x x S A L M A x x]

LOL, why do you assume I am picking on her? What about my 70 excuses? Im gonna go cry to my teddy bear now... :(

awwww... :D

[S. ALI]

The other day a non-Muslim friend claimed that according to modern studies, a glass of wine is supposed to be good for the health. So, they find it confusing why Islam does not allow the consumption of alcohol "in moderation"?

[/B]

The Quran awknowledges this.

"They question you about strong drink and games of chance. Say: In both is great abuse and usefulness for mankind; but the abusive side of them is greater than their usefulness." (2. Al-Baqarah :219)

[x x S A L M A x x]

^
wow, isnt that amazing..

[dancer]

The Quran awknowledges this.

"They question you about strong drink and games of chance. Say: In both is great abuse and usefulness for mankind; but the abusive side of them is greater than their usefulness." (2. Al-Baqarah :219)


I know the Qur'aan acknowledges this, rather the Qur'aan has already hinted on this aspect which I included in my original post. I quote it as under. Perhaps you didn't read it carefully ..


"By the way, this brings about an interesting Divine prediction. Allah (Most Merciful) says, that there is some benefit in wine but the harm is greater, thus it ought to be avoided. Allah already knew more than 1400 years ago that medical experts today will discover that 'little benefit,' so He told us about it. This is yet another amazing prophecy of the Glorious Qur'aan."

[dancer]

So how did you come to that conclusion?

:I


Allah (SWT) has given all of us a degree of common sense, and He surely expects us to use it with the right intent and for our ultimate benefit.

Intoxicant in the Qur'aan is referred to as "strong drinks." This means alcohol.

Besides, the reason why 'intoxicant' is disallowed in the Qur'aan is because they make one lose control of their faculties. And one of the commonest intoxicants having such an effect in the 7th century was fermented drinks or alcohol.

[S. ALI]

I know the Qur'aan acknowledges this, rather the Qur'aan has already hinted on this aspect which I included in my original post. I quote it as under. Perhaps you didn't read it carefully ..


"By the way, this brings about an interesting Divine prediction. Allah (Most Merciful) says, that there is some benefit in wine but the harm is greater, thus it ought to be avoided. Allah already knew more than 1400 years ago that medical experts today will discover that 'little benefit,' so He told us about it. This is yet another amazing prophecy of the Glorious Qur'aan."

you're right. i skimmed through it. but i still felt it was important to back any statements made with verses from the Quran (with its relevant verse and surah details.) it was in no way to provide you with an answer but more for every1 else to see the verse. Its far more effective if u let the quran do the talking then giving info as an opinion.

ps: i have awcknowledged that u have used quite a few verses from the quran. also there was no need for that *****y remark.

[dancer]

Its far more effective if u let the quran do the talking then giving info as an opinion.


I mentioned that this concept about benefit & drawback of alcohol is highlighted in the Qur'aan. This certainly doesn't mean I was "giving info as an opinion" as you've so graciously stated. In my entire article, I quoted the relevant verses I remembered, and didn't quote the ones I couldn't recall at that moment. I see nothing wrong with that.




ps: i have awcknowledged that u have used quite a few verses from the quran.


Thank you for your very kind acknowledgement.



also there was no need for that *****y remark.




I'm quoting my comments below. I don't know how anything out there can be referred to as "*****y remark" by any stretch of the imagination (whatever on earth "*****y" means). Either you are overly touchy or perhaps you are the one who needs to take care of the "*****y" approach.

I know the Qur'aan acknowledges this, rather the Qur'aan has already hinted on this aspect which I included in my original post. I quote it as under. Perhaps you didn't read it carefully ..

"By the way, this brings about an interesting Divine prediction. Allah (Most Merciful) says, that there is some benefit in wine but the harm is greater, thus it ought to be avoided. Allah already knew more than 1400 years ago that medical experts today will discover that 'little benefit,' so He told us about it. This is yet another amazing prophecy of the Glorious Qur'aan."

[S. ALI]

I mentioned that this concept about benefit & drawback of alcohol is highlighted in the Qur'aan. This certainly doesn't mean I was "giving info as an opinion" as you've so graciously stated. In my entire article, I quoted the relevant verses I remembered, and didn't quote the ones I couldn't recall at that moment. I see nothing wrong with that.




Thank you for your very kind acknowledgement.





I'm quoting my comments below. I don't know how anything out there can be referred to as "*****y remark" by any stretch of the imagination (whatever on earth "*****y" means). Either you are overly touchy or perhaps you are the one who needs to take care of the "*****y" approach.

I know the Qur'aan acknowledges this, rather the Qur'aan has already hinted on this aspect which I included in my original post. I quote it as under. Perhaps you didn't read it carefully ..

"By the way, this brings about an interesting Divine prediction. Allah (Most Merciful) says, that there is some benefit in wine but the harm is greater, thus it ought to be avoided. Allah already knew more than 1400 years ago that medical experts today will discover that 'little benefit,' so He told us about it. This is yet another amazing prophecy of the Glorious Qur'aan."

Ok i think we got off on the wrong foot here. when i first posted that reply i was in no way been rude. I was simply adding to what you said. and since you couldnt recall what verses it was, you should appreciate that i put that on instead of making comments like "Perhaps you didn't read it carefully .."

Fair enuf you couldnt recall the verse- and yes there's nothing wrong with that. but ppl have a habit of saying stuff thats in the Quran without providing its relevant verses and surah so ppl cant really verify it. thats why i put it in there. And i found your response patronizing.

i'm sorry for any misunderstandings.

[dancer]

Ok i think we got off on the wrong foot here. when i first posted that reply i was in no way been rude. I was simply adding to what you said. and since you couldnt recall what verses it was, you should appreciate that i put that on instead of making comments like "Perhaps you didn't read it carefully .."

i'm sorry for any misunderstandings.



I appreciate your apology.

However, there's absolutely nothing unacceptable about presuming that perhaps someone didn't read my post carefully enough .. not to mention that it happens here all the time. Besides, your initial response (which is quoted at the end of this post), convinces me still more that you did not read my original post carefully. You mention you "skimmed through it" which itself means to read lightly and rapidly .. in other words, not reading carefully enough. And then, you add a "ps" saying that you acknowledge I used a few Quraanic verses. This again points to the fact that initially you didn't read my work properly.

Most importantly, that aspect about the Qur'aan stating the benefits and drawbacks of alcohol was most definitely included by me in my original post. You missed it out because as I had correctly perceived, you hadn't read it well enough. It was this omission on your part that prompted you to bring up this issue. And you apparently got a little piqued when I spoke up about it.

Last but not least, if my opinion of your not reading my article carefully offended you so much, I have just as much reason to be offended by your invisible remarks in asterisks. I have no idea what you wrote, however, I do know that when people use asterisks to comment on a comment, it's never complimentary. Hiding it by using asterisks doesn't change the intent.

Salaam Alaikum and peace ..

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you're right. i skimmed through it. but i still felt it was important to back any statements made with verses from the Quran (with its relevant verse and surah details.) it was in no way to provide you with an answer but more for every1 else to see the verse. Its far more effective if u let the quran do the talking then giving info as an opinion.

ps: i have awcknowledged that u have used quite a few verses from the quran. also there was no need for that *****y remark.
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