Alcohol Drinking in Islam
In many countries around the globe including USA and some Islamic countries, Alcohol is a dangerous drug and addiction which is ruining the health of public big time. Drinking alcohol has become a social evil in the past few decades, The serious worldwide consumption of Alcohol is alarming because young and old age people are turning to it in the 21st century more than ever. What make Alcohol dangerous for health are the substances included in it during production. The Islam is the religion of Allah that clearly prohibits the use of Alcohol and completely eradicates it from the lives of Muslims.
In the ancient times of Jahiliyya period, in the Arabian Peninsula, alcohol was produced mainly from dates, grapes, honey and doura. The religion of Islam after fourteen hundred years has successfully stopped its followers from consuming this evil drug.
History
Human body already contains small quantity of Alcohol in various body parts such as the liver, brain and blood. It is also found in the large intestine and blood to some extent.
People used fruits, berries, sap of palm trees and cactus to produce Alcohol. In the Far and Near East and in Europe, they used honey and milk. In the modern times, the ingredients mainly used are corn, barley, wheat, sugar cane, potatoes and a wide variety of other plants.
The Alcohol is still widely used on various occasions like holidays, celebrations, New Year, birthday parties, births or even deaths. Some people use it as a drug against psychological defeats and mind problems.
In history people had problems of excessive drinking in regions like Persia, Arabia and Roman history. Romans used to drink heavily in history; nobody supported its prohibition which was always denied. Bu tin the 18th century, the Christian church declared drinking as sinful and immoral habit and taught people self control in not only Europe but also in America by strengthening their faith in God.
Dates and Grapes
According to the Qur’an, wine was a “device of the devil” hence forbidden but it also states:
And from the fruits of date-palms and grapes, you derive wholesome drink or strong drink (this was before the order of the prohibition of the alcoholic drinks) and also good nourishment (as food), (is healing for mankind). , Behold, Verily in this also is a Sign for those who are wise (or who understand or who have sense or who ponder).”
Surah, An-Nahl 16: 67
Some Muslim doctors also prescribe wine as a medicine against various diseases but the social use of Alcohol is not allowed by medical practitioners due to its harmful effects on health and liver. This ayah or verse challenges the Muslims to think, the emphasis is on the words, ” a Sign for those who are wise.” We need to ponder on the words “Dates” and “Grapes.”
Alcohol drinking in Islam. Grapes and dates are considered very useful and nourishing in Islam and prophet Muhammad used to admire dates and described many benefits of it. But dates and grapes should not be used to produce the alcohol.
Source: irfi.org/articles/articles_101_150/alcohol_and_islam.htm
Dawah
