All praise and glorification belong solely to the One whose existence is inherent to His pure being. Every other thing exists only as a result of His creation. All beings depend on Him for their existence and sustenance, while He is dependent on none.
I know that Islam is the truth, and the message of Allah is meant for all of humanity. Therefore, as a Muslim, it was my duty to convey that message to others.
Introduction
Islam is a complete way of life that addresses all the needs, problems, and hardships of humanity. One of its core objectives is to guide people toward self-control, spiritual purification, and overall well-being. Alcohol consumption is a habit that leads individuals, families, and societies toward destruction. It results in moral degradation and brings ruin in both this world and the Hereafter. Alcohol is not merely a drink; it represents a cultural, social, and economic disaster. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Do not drink alcohol, for it is the key to all evil.”
In this article, I will provide a detailed analysis of how the noble religion of Islam has taken a firm stance against alcohol and how we can use the message of Islam to help people stay away from it.
Drinking Alcohol—From My Own Experience
When I began to reshape my life in the light of Islam, I discovered a profound peace in every aspect of life. That’s why I want others to know about it too.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol is an addiction that drives people toward wrongdoing. Those who become addicted to it often see their well-ordered families fall apart. Darkness descends upon their lives. Alcohol addiction throws a person into the depths of ruin. That is why consuming alcohol has been declared haram (forbidden) in the holy religion of Islam.
A Question to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
In the pre-Islamic era, known as the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah), alcohol consumption was a common and accepted social norm, just like many other harmful practices of the time. Even in the early days of Islam, drinking alcohol remained prevalent. After the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, the practices of drinking and gambling were still widespread among the residents of Madinah.
Ordinary people were mostly attracted to the apparent benefits of alcohol and gambling, completely unaware of their harmful consequences. However, after the Prophet arrived in Madinah, some of his companions began to realize the detrimental effects of these vices. At one point, Hazrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA), along with a group of Ansari companions, approached the Prophet (PBUH) and said:
“O Messenger of Allah, alcohol and gambling destroy a person’s intellect and reasoning, and they lead to the ruin of wealth. What is your command regarding these matters?”
In response to this, Almighty Allah revealed verses in the Holy Qur’an, declaring alcohol haram (forbidden) for all of humanity. Allah made the prohibition of alcohol a gradual process through four distinct stages of revelation, ultimately making it completely forbidden in Islam.
First Stage
Almighty Allah sent a message to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel, peace be upon him), revealing in the Holy Qur’an:
وَمِن ثَمَرَاتِ النَّخِيلِ وَالْأَعْنَابِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِنْهُ سَكَرًا وَرِزْقًا حَسَنًا ۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
“You produce from the fruits of date palms and grapes both intoxicants and good, wholesome provisions.” This verse highlights that while people use dates and grapes to produce intoxicants, they also use them to create beneficial food, thereby subtly encouraging believers to reflect on the distinction between harmful and beneficial uses.
In the mentioned verse, Almighty Allah did not directly declare alcohol as haram (forbidden), but He made it clear that intoxicants and wholesome food are two entirely different things. This subtle distinction indicated that intoxicants are not among the good or beneficial provisions. After this verse was revealed, the noble companions (Sahaba) assumed that Allah would soon reveal a specific ruling regarding alcohol and intoxicants.
“And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you derive intoxicants [1] and good, wholesome provision. Indeed, this is a sign for people who use reason.”
(Surah An-Nahl: 67)
[1] This verse was revealed at a time when alcohol had not yet been declared haram (forbidden). Therefore, it is mentioned here alongside lawful (pure) provisions. However, the phrase “intoxicants” (سَكَرًا) is followed by “good provision” (رِزْقًا حَسَنًا), which implies that intoxicants are not considered wholesome or beneficial. Furthermore, this surah was revealed in Makkah, where alcohol is already referred to as a disliked drink. In the later revelations that came down in Madinah, alcohol was gradually declared forbidden. (Tafsir Ahsanul Bayan)
Second Stage
After the revelation of the previously mentioned verse, the noble companions (Sahabah) asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about the ruling on alcohol.
At that point, Allah Almighty revealed a verse through divine revelation (Wahi) to inform His beloved Prophet (PBUH) about it.
يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِن نَّفْعِهِمَا وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ كَذَلِكَ يُبيِّنُ اللّهُ لَكُمُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is a great sin and [some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’ And they ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Spend what is beyond your needs.’ Thus Allah makes His verses clear to you so that you may reflect.” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219)
Through this verse, the Almighty Lord instilled a sense of aversion toward alcohol in the hearts of the companions. Indeed, Allah is the best of planners. As a result, the companions became divided into two groups: one group chose to abandon alcohol completely, while the other group thought that since there was still some benefit in it, occasional consumption would not be harmful.
Third Stage
In the third stage, a more serious warning was revealed. Some companions who continued to drink began to experience its harmful effects even during acts of worship. One day, a companion led the prayer while intoxicated and made mistakes in reciting the Qur’an.
Following this incident, Allah revealed a verse strictly prohibiting approaching prayer while intoxicated, stating:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الصَّلاَةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَارَى حَتَّىَ تَعْلَمُواْ مَا تَقُولُونَ وَلاَ جُنُبًا إِلاَّ عَابِرِي سَبِيلٍ حَتَّىَ تَغْتَسِلُواْ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَى أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاء أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّن الْغَآئِطِ أَوْ لاَمَسْتُمُ النِّسَاء فَلَمْ تَجِدُواْ مَاء فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا
“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying…” (Surah An-Nisa: 43)
This verse marked a significant turning point, as it limited the time during which alcohol could be consumed. It prepared the believers for a complete prohibition by disconnecting intoxication from worship.
Fourth Stage
Even after the third stage, alcohol had not yet been explicitly declared haram, so many people continued drinking outside of prayer times. Then, another significant incident occurred.
Atban ibn Malik (RA) invited several companions to a meal, among whom was Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA). After the meal, a drinking session began. As was customary among the Arabs, they began reciting poetry and boasting about the glories of their respective tribes.
During this, one Muhajir companion recited a poem that praised his people while blaming the Ansar. This offended one of the young Ansari men, and in a fit of anger, he threw a camel’s jawbone at the companion, striking him on the face.
This incident demonstrated the social harm and disorder caused by alcohol, paving the way for its final and complete prohibition.
Severely injured, the companion rushed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and complained about the young man.
Upon hearing this, the Prophet (PBUH) raised his hands in supplication and said:
“O Allah, grant us a clear ruling regarding alcohol, so that all doubts and confusion may be removed.”
At that moment, Almighty Allah revealed the following verse:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
“O you who have believed! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are abominations of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid them so that you may be successful.
Satan only wants to cause enmity and hatred between you through wine and gambling and to hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and prayer. So will you not abstain?”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 90–91)
Note: In the mentioned verses, Allah clearly describes alcohol and gambling as vile and harmful acts, and He explicitly declares them completely haram (forbidden).
Announcement: After the revelation declaring alcohol as haram, a companion began announcing throughout Madinah on behalf of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the consumption of alcohol had been forbidden. Upon hearing this, anyone who had a vessel of wine in their hand immediately discarded it. So much alcohol was poured out that day that the streets and alleys of Madinah were flooded after a heavy rain, and the city reeked of alcohol for a long time. Whenever it rained, the smell of wine would rise from the ground. In response, Almighty Allah sent continuous rain over Madinah for 40 days to cleanse the city and remove its foul odor.
Punishment: If a person consumes alcohol or any intoxicating substance and it is proven that they have become intoxicated, they will be given eighty lashes as punishment. Every time the person is caught drinking, they will be subjected to the same punishment of eighty lashes. However, they will never be sentenced to death for this offense.
Note: At the time when the verse declaring alcohol haram was revealed, wine was made from five main substances: grapes, dates, honey, wheat, and barley. However, alcohol refers to any substance that intoxicates and impairs the human brain.
From Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, just as wine comes from grapes, it also comes from dates, honey, wheat, and barley.” In another narration, it is mentioned that wine can also be made from raisins. The Prophet (PBUH) further said: “Indeed, wine is specifically made from the juice of grapes, and similarly it is produced from raisins, dates, wheat, barley, and corn. I have forbidden you from every intoxicating substance.”From Anas ibn Malik and Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), it is narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) cursed ten types of people related to alcohol:
- The one who makes the wine
- The one who carries it
- The one who drinks it
- The one who transports it
- The one to whom it is transported
- The one who serves it to others
- The seller
- The one who profits from it
- The buyer
- The one for whom it is bought
In some narrations, Allah Almighty curses both the wine and those who consume it.
Good News
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever drinks alcohol in this world will not be able to drink it in the Hereafter, even if they enter Paradise—unless they sincerely repent to Allah in this world.”
Harmful Effects of Alcohol
- Liver cirrhosis
- Brain cell damage
- Cancer
- Gout problems
- Depression
- Suicidal tendencies
- Addiction
- Domestic violence
- Divorce
- Moral decay
- Traffic accidents
- Criminal behavior
- Imprisonment and fines
The Horrible Consequence of Intoxication
In the era of Bani Israel, there was a religious and pious elderly man known for his righteousness and fear of Allah. One day, a tyrannical ruler came to power in that state. The ruler summoned the elderly man and put him to a severe test. He said: “I am giving you four tasks, and you must do at least one of them. If you refuse, you will be killed:
- Drink alcohol
- Commit adultery
- Kill an innocent person
- Eat the meat of a forbidden animal, the pig.”
None of these acts is permissible under Islamic law (Shariah). The elderly man was in a dilemma, trying to decide which of the four sins was the least harmful. He thought drinking alcohol might be the least serious sin, so he agreed to that. However, after drinking and becoming intoxicated, he lost all self-control. In his drunken state and the presence of the tyrant, he ended up committing the other three sins as well. What he had thought was the lesser sin led him to fall into all kinds of sins.
Lesson from this Incident
Intoxication is a terrible thing that destroys a person’s conscience, self-control, and faith. Even a small mistake, when influenced by Satan, can lead a person down the path of greater sins.
Why am I sharing this message?
Islam is not just a religion; it is a complete way of life. Today, when people are lost amid crises, confusion, injustice, and instability, it is the light of Islam that can dispel this darkness. When I experienced the beauty and completeness of Islam, I realized that this peace and guidance are not just for me but are needed by everyone. That is why I began the work of spreading the message of Islam.
As a Muslim, my responsibility is not only to protect my faith but also to invite others to the right path. Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an: “There should be a group among you who call to what is good, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.”(Surah Al-Imran 3:104)
Sharing the message of Islam does not mean forcing anyone; rather, it means showing the way of truth and peace. In today’s world, people often value outward success but fail to find inner tranquility. Islam, however, is the true address of that peace — through the remembrance of Allah, prayer, piety, patience, and justice.
If someone reflects and opens the Qur’an even once, or learns about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), perhaps a light will ignite in their heart. I believe that anyone who looks at Islam with an open mind cannot deny the truth.
Sharing the message of Islam means calling people with love, not fear. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the greatest caller who always prayed for people, sought forgiveness for them, and showed great patience. I try, in a small way, to follow that noble example.
Nowadays, Islam is often misrepresented in the media and society. Therefore, I must present the true Islam — a religion of love, peace, respect, and justice. Maybe through my words, someone will understand the beauty of Islam, and that alone will make my effort worthwhile.
Finally, I share the message of Islam with the firm belief that guidance is in Allah’s hands while calling others is my responsibility. If even one heart returns to the path of light, that will be my greatest success in life.
Conclusion: Alcohol is a social disease that can destroy individuals, families, and society as a whole. Islam has taken a clear and strong stance against this affliction. The Qur’an, Hadith, the lives of the Sahabah (companions), and modern research all call for the abandonment of alcohol.
Therefore, let us first reform ourselves and then, with compassion, spread the light of Islam to others.
Thank you.