Khamr in Islam: Why Alcohol is Forbidden?

The Khamr meaning in Islam

Khamr (Arabic: خمر) is an Arabic term that refers to wine or any intoxicating substance. It is commonly defined as alcoholic beverages, such as wine or liquor. According to hadith, khamr is described as anything that impairs the intellect and can be made from five sources: grapes, dates, wheat, barley, and honey (Bukhari and Muslim). Covering the intellect means losing awareness. Alcohol dulls the brain, affecting decision-making. It leads to impaired consciousness.

Alcohol in Quran and Hadith

The Quran and Hadith condemn alcohol as harmful. Both sources urge believers to avoid it. Its effects damage faith, health, and society.

What does Quran says about Alcohol?

The Quran gradually forbids alcohol. Quran ayats about alcohol highlights its harms and warns against intoxication during prayer. Ultimately, it declares alcohol prohibited. The Quran addresses alcohol prohibition in three stages across different chapters. This gradual approach helped those addicted to quit step by step.

Gradual Prohibition

Once, Hazrat Umar al-Khattab, Muaz bin Jabal, and several other companions approached Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to discuss khamr (wine) and maysir (gambling). They mentioned that these two habits not only distract people from their goals but also lead to financial losses. This verse was revealed in response to their question.

یَسْــٴَـلُوْنَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَ الْمَیْسِرِؕ-قُلْ فِیْهِمَاۤ اِثْمٌ كَبِیْرٌ وَّ مَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ٘-وَ اِثْمُهُمَاۤ اَكْبَرُ مِنْ نَّفْعِهِمَاؕ-وَ یَسْــٴَـلُوْنَكَ مَا ذَا یُنْفِقُوْنَ۬ؕ-قُلِ الْعَفْوَؕ-كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَكُمُ الْاٰیٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُوْنَ(219)

“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.’ They ask you what they should spend [in Allah’s cause]. Say, ‘The excess [beyond needs].’ Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you may give thought.” (Surah Al Baqarah: 219)

After this ayah was revealed, some companions took it seriously and stopped drinking right away, while others continued because the ayah did not explicitly declare wine as haram. This ayah does not explicitly declare drinking as unlawful or haram but highlights its faults, which can lead people into various sinful and wicked actions. This ayah clearly states that consuming alcohol or wine (khamr) is a major sin – اِثْمٌ كَبِیْرٌ – and, according to the Quran and Sunnah, major sins are explicitly prohibited.

Warning Against Prayer While Intoxicated

One day, some of the Prophet’s companions were invited to a dinner at the home of Abdul Rehman bin Awf. After the meal, they began drinking wine as usual, and then it was time for Maghrib Salah. Everyone stood up and selected one of them to lead the prayer. The imam started reciting the Quran, but because of his drunkenness, he read the Surah incorrectly. This Quranic verse was revealed in response to the incident that occurred at Abdul Rehman bin Awf’s house.

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَ اَنْتُمْ سُكٰرٰى حَتّٰى تَعْلَمُوْا مَا تَقُوْلُوْنَ وَ لَا جُنُبًا اِلَّا عَابِرِیْ سَبِیْلٍ حَتّٰى تَغْتَسِلُوْاؕ-وَ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ مَّرْضٰۤى اَوْ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ اَوْ جَآءَ اَحَدٌ مِّنْكُمْ مِّنَ الْغَآىٕطِ اَوْ لٰمَسْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوْا مَآءً فَتَیَمَّمُوْا صَعِیْدًا طَیِّبًا فَامْسَحُوْا بِوُجُوْهِكُمْ وَ اَیْدِیْكُمْؕ-اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُوْرًا(43)

“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you know what you are saying, nor in a state of major impurity, except when traveling on the road, until you have washed your body. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from relieving himself or you have had sexual relations and you do not find water, then perform tayammum with clean earth, wiping over your faces and hands. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah An Nisa: 43)

This was the second step in addressing alcohol consumption, and it was followed by the specific declaration that alcohol is unlawful for performing prayers. Some companions stopped drinking alcohol because they realized it interfered with their prayers.However, after this ayah, many companions continued drinking but only changed its drinking timing.

Complete Prohibition

Imam Ahmad bin Hambal reported that Abu Maysarah said ‘Umar (R.A) once prayed, “O Allah, grant us a clear ruling on al-khamr (wine)!” Later, the third and fourth ayahs of Surah Al-Ma’idah were revealed. They included a complete prohibition of all intoxicating substances, including khamr (wine). When the final part of the ayah, “Will you not then abstain?” was recited to him, he responded, “We have abstained, we have abstained.”

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَ الْمَیْسِرُ وَ الْاَنْصَابُ وَ الْاَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّیْطٰنِ فَاجْتَنِبُوْهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ(90)

“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.” (Surah Al Maidah: 90)

اِنَّمَا یُرِیْدُ الشَّیْطٰنُ اَنْ یُّوْقِعَ بَیْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَ الْبَغْضَآءَ فِی الْخَمْرِ وَ الْمَیْسِرِ وَ یَصُدَّكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ وَ عَنِ الصَّلٰوةِۚ-فَهَلْ اَنْتُمْ مُّنْتَهُوْنَ(91)

“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 will you not desist?” (Surah Al Maidah: 91)

What does Hadith says about Khamr (Alcohol)?

Hazrat Ibn ‘Umar reported that Allah’s Apostle said, “Anyone who drinks alcohol in this world and does not repent before dying will be denied it in the Hereafter.”

Hazrat Anas said, “I was serving my uncles, who were drinking wine made from dates, and I was the youngest among them. Then someone announced that alcoholic drinks had been prohibited. They told me to throw it away, so I did.”

Hazrat Aisha narrated that Allah’s Apostle was asked about Al-Bit (A liquor made from honey that was commonly consumed by the Yemenites). He replied, “All drinks that cause intoxication are unlawful.”

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Allah has cursed alcohol and those involved with it—the one who drinks it, pours it, sells it, buys it, squeezes it (e.g., the grapes), the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who carries it, and the one to whom it is carried.”

Punishment of drinking Alcohol in Islam

In Islam, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited, and the punishment for consuming it is based on Islamic law (Sharia). The standard punishment, as practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the early Caliphs, is flogging. The number of lashes varied; the Prophet (pbuh) ordered about 40 lashes. while Caliph Umar increased it to 80 lashes to curb the spread of drinking.

Why is Alcohol haram in Islam?

Alcohol is forbidden (haram) in Islam due to its numerous harmful effects on individuals and society. Here are the key reasons why alcohol is prohibited:

Impairs Intellect and Judgment

Alcohol affects the mind, impairing judgment, decision-making, and self-control. It clouds one’s ability to distinguish between right and wrong, leading to reckless behavior that can cause harm.

Spiritual and Moral Harm

Consuming alcohol leads to neglect of spiritual duties, such as prayer and remembrance of Allah. It is seen as a tool of Satan that distracts from worship and moral conduct.

Causes Social Harm

Alcohol often leads to social problems, including domestic violence, accidents, and broken families. It creates animosity, hatred, and disrupts relationships, as highlighted in the Quran (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:91).

Health Risks

Alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, including liver disease, addiction, mental health issues, and other chronic conditions. Islam promotes the preservation of health, and alcohol directly contradicts this principle.

Economic and Financial Loss

Spending on alcohol is considered wasteful and leads to financial problems. Resources that could be used for productive purposes are instead squandered.

Divine Command

The Quran explicitly prohibits intoxicants in multiple verses. It urges believers to avoid them to achieve success (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90-91). As Muslims, obeying Allah’s commands is a core aspect of faith.

Overall, the prohibition of alcohol in Islam is intended to protect individuals and society from physical, spiritual, and social harms, fostering a healthy and responsible community.