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Islam’s holistic approach to health and well-being means
that anything that is harmful or mostly harmful, is forbidden. Therefore, Islam
takes an uncompromising stand towards alcohol and forbids its consumption in
either small or large quantities. Alcohol is undoubtedly harmful and adversely
affects the mind and the body. It clouds the mind, causes disease, wastes
money, and destroys individuals, families, and communities. Researchers have proven that
there is a strong link between alcohol and gambling. Drinking impairs
judgement, lowers inhibition, and encourages the type of risk taking involved
in gambling and dangerous activities. God tells us in the Quran that
intoxicants and gambling are abominations from Satan and orders us to avoid
them. (Quran 5: 90)
In Australia, a country with a population of around 20
million, about 3000 people die each year from alcohol abuse while 65,000 others
are hospitalised. Studies have consistently revealed a link between heavy
drinking and brain damage and around 2500 Australians are treated annually for
alcohol related brain damage. Research in the United Kingdom indicates that 6%
of cancer deaths are related to alcohol abuse and Harvard Centre for Cancer Prevention
says that drinking greatly increases the risk for numerous cancers. Alcohol is considered highly carcinogenic, increasing the
risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, and breast cancers. Drinking
alcohol during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, causing the child
to be small at birth, have some facial malformations, small eye openings,
webbed or even missing fingers or toes, organ deformities, learning
disabilities, mental retardation and much more.
Researchers in Australia have also estimated that 47% of
all those who commit violent crimes, and 43% of all victims of these crimes,
were drunk prior to the event. Alcohol is responsible for 44% of fire
injuries, 34% of falls and drownings, 30% of car accidents, 16% of child abuse
instances, and 7% of industrial accidents. Even though it is clear that
alcohol is responsible for a great many evils it is legal and even encouraged
in most societies. In Muslim countries where alcohol is forbidden many people
still find it difficult to resist temptation and fall prey to the disease that
is alcoholism. Amazingly even in the light of such startling evidence against alcohol,
people around the globe continue to consume alcohol in ever-increasing
amounts. Why?
Alcohol is one of the tools Satan uses to distract
humankind from the worship of God. God states clearly in the Quran that Satan
is an open enemy towards humankind yet by drinking alcohol, we invite Satan
into our lives and make it easy for him to distract us from our real purpose in
life, to worship God.
“Surely, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He
only invites his followers that they may become the dwellers of the blazing
Fire.” (Quran 35:6)
Alcohol affects the mind and makes sinful behaviour
and evil actions fair seeming. It creates enmity and hatred between people,
prevents them from remembering God and distracts them from praying, and calls
them to participate in unlawful sexual relationships. Alcohol generates shame,
regret, and disgrace, and renders the drinker witless. It leads to the
disclosure of secrets and exposure of faults.
“Satan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with
intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the
remembrance of God and from the prayer. So, will you not then abstain?” (Quran
5:91)
In pre Islamic Arabia, alcohol use was widespread. To
eradicate this evil, God in His mercy revealed the prohibition in stages. First, He made it clear to them that the harm of drinking
alcohol is greater than its benefit, next He told the Muslims not to come to
prayer while intoxicated and finally, He revealed a verse totally prohibiting
alcohol.
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks),
gambling, idolatry, and diving arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork.
So avoid that so that you may be successful.” (Quran 5: 90)
When this was revealed the Muslim citizens of Medina immediately began to destroy and empty their alcohol containers into the street. Even
those who were guiltlessly enjoying cups of wine spat the alcohol from their
mouths. It is said that the streets of Medina ran with alcohol. Why then is
it so difficult to expunge this evil in the 21st century? Believers
today must completely trust God, in the same way that the first Muslims trusted
God and understood that He was their only Protector and Provider. All power
and strength comes from God and a scourge like alcohol can be eradicated only
when those affected by alcohol turn to God with complete submission.
The Quran is a book of guidance sent to all of
humankind. It is a set of instructions from the Creator for His creation. If
we follow these instructions, our lives will be easy and tranquil, even in the
face of disaster and mishap. God links alcohol and gambling to idolatry and
declares it filthy and evil; however, He is merciful and generous towards the
believers and acknowledges the power of addiction.
Islam is committed to encouraging and facilitating
those who wish to repent from evil doing and sinful behaviour. God accepts
repentance from those who are truly sorry for their actions and committed to
staying away from sin. Muslim communities do not ostracise those who have made
mistakes but keep them within the fold of Islam encouraging them to seek the
closeness to God that will allow them to leave sinful behaviour. Friends, family,
and neighbours do not just look away while a person destroys himself or his
family. Islam is a community-oriented faith. There is no place for an
individual to do what he wants to do, if it hurts others. Alcohol abuse affects
not just the alcoholic but also his or her family, and community. There is
great wisdom in the prohibition of alcohol.
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