Alcohol
Author: Islam House- English
In Islam, alcohol (khamr) is strictly forbidden (haram) due to its harmful effects on health, mind, and society, as explicitly stated in the Quran, which calls intoxicants Satan's handiwork and commands believers to abstain from them for success, leading to universal prohibition across all sects, though some nuances exist regarding external use or varying cultural interpretations. The core principle is "if a large amount intoxicates, a small amount is also forbidden," making even slight consumption impermissible, with severe spiritual consequences for drinkers and those involved in its trade or service, emphasizing repentance and community protection. Quranic basis Early verses: Initially warned against attending prayer while intoxicated (Quran 4:43). Later verses: Explicitly called intoxicants and gambling "abominations of Satan" and commanded Muslims to avoid them for success (Quran 5:90-91). Prophetic teachings (Hadith) "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden". "If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited" (Sunan Abu-Dawud). Prophet Muhammad cursed those involved in the alcohol trade: distillers, drinkers, servers, transporters, sellers, and profiting from it. Core principles Health: Harmful to the body, leading to disease and addiction, conflicting with Islamic values of self-control. Spiritual harm: Blurs judgment, impairs memory, and prevents remembrance of God, hindering success (falah). "Mother of evils": C