Alcohol: the Forbidden Nectar- an Islamic Perspective

Alcohol is a universal phenomenon that is now regarded as a major public health problem. It extends across socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries. The term alcohol addiction is used in to denote excessive physical dependence or psychological dependence resulting in health, socio-economic, legal and spiritual problems During the past few decades, Muslims have not been immune in the use of alcohol, In addition, Muslims have been involved in other...
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Alcohol is a universal phenomenon that is now regarded as a major public health problem. It extends across socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries. The term alcohol addiction is used in to denote excessive physical dependence or psychological dependence resulting in health, socio-economic, legal and spiritual problems

During the past few decades, Muslims have not been immune in the use of alcohol,
In addition, Muslims have been involved in other forms of addictions including, drug, gambling and cybersex addiction. Islam views the use of alcohol and other intoxicants and gambling as the 'Mother of all evils' and, hence, categorically prohibits their use. Though, Muslim majority countries have the lowest alcohol consumption rates per capita in the world, they also have a higher proportion of unreported alcohol consumption.Many Muslim alcohol users have been left to suffer in silence because addiction are taboo and the stigma attached to alcohol use.

There are major challenges facing the Muslim world in relation to alcohol. Muslims are a heterogeneous group with varying values, attitudes and customs that influence the nature and patterns of alcohol use. The Qur'ān , Sunnah (words, actions and practices of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and Islamic jurisprudence provide clear and unwavering values in the importance of keeping our minds and bodies from being befogged by the harms caused by alcoholic beverages. It is by reverting back to the Qur'ān and Hadith that we remind ourselves of the importance of preserving our physical, mental and spiritual health. These are steps towards reversing the alcohol addiction trends we are now witnessing in our communities. However, Islam can also play a pivotal role in alcohol prevention, treatment, rehabilitation therapy and recovery of Muslim addicts.