Verses Prohibiting Alcohol
Allah – glorified and exalted be He – did not impose a blanket prohibition on alcohol consumption for Muslims all at once, understanding their attachment to it prior to Islam. Rather, the prohibition was introduced gradually, transitioning from one stage to another until reaching the final decree that categorically forbade alcohol. Numerous hadiths in the purified Prophetic tradition also affirm this prohibition, which is unanimously acknowledged by scholars. The following outlines the gradual prohibition of alcohol as revealed in the verses:
Alcohol as a Sin
The first verse mentioning alcohol was revealed after the Battle of Uhud, where Allah – the Almighty – stated: (They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, “In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit”). Following this revelation, some Muslims ceased drinking alcohol, distancing themselves from what was deemed sinful, while others continued its consumption.
This noble verse clarifies that although there are some benefits associated with wine and gambling, such as entertainment and potential financial gain from alcohol trade or gambling without effort, their sins far outweigh these benefits. The phrase (They ask you) in the verse refers to inquiries regarding the permissibility of using these substances rather than their intrinsic nature.
Prohibition of Prayer While Intoxicated
Subsequent to highlighting the sinfulness of alcohol, Allah – the Exalted – revealed in His Holy Book: (O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying). This verse serves as a prohibition for Muslims from engaging in prayer while under the influence of intoxicants, as it is essential to comprehend what is being recited during the prayer and to fulfill its obligations and expressions of reverence.
In the wake of this verse, some Muslims refrained from consuming alcohol during prayer times, opting to drink only after the evening prayers, while others completely abstained from alcohol to avoid distraction during their prayers.
Absolute Prohibition of Alcohol
Allah – the Almighty – asserted: (O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So avoid it). This verse clearly describes that alcohol, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are defilements associated with the works of Satan, which reflects their inherent evil.
The term “gambling” mentioned in this verse refers to games of chance, while “idols” pertains to figures that are worshipped. These idols are termed as such because they are often erected for worship purposes, whereas “divining arrows” represent tools used for fortune-telling. A careful examination of the verse reveals multiple confirmations of the prohibition of alcohol; most notably, Allah – the Mighty – associates the consumption of alcohol with idol worship, emphasizes its impurity, and categorizes it as a repugnant act incited by Satan, ordering Muslims to avoid it, thereby linking it to their prosperity.
Moreover, Allah – Exalted be He – explains that alcohol breeds animosity and enmity among Muslims and acts as a barrier to remembering Him. The mention of prayer underscores its significance, suggesting that alcohol specifically hinders the remembrance and performance of prayer. The verse concludes with the rhetorical question: (So will you not desist?). This powerful ending prompts reflection: after articulating the reasons to refrain from alcohol, will you heed this message and repent, or will you persist in your current ways?