Why Islam prohibits drinking Alcohol fully and completely?

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Mohamad Mostafa Nassar

Twitter:@NassarMohamadMR

Question:

Some of my friends said that it (drink) will affect your mind and your body. This may be correct when we drink a large amount of drink. Even if we drink a very small amount of drink, it will not affect our mind and scientists say that which is good for our health.

So small amount of drink is allowed? Or else what is the correct reason behind this?

Answer:

Note:

The scientists donโ€™t say it is good even with a small amount Anymore. 

If you look at the references added in the article, they are OLD. That’s why I said most scientists do not hold these opinions anymore.

For instance, NEWER information can be found here

This article (in Swedish) saying one glass per year is even TOO MUCH

There are many drinks that we can drink, and God gives us infinite knowledge and power and wisdom, telling us that this one,  surely knows that this is not good. 

A long answer is available at Islam Q&A, article 40882. In this case, the Qur’an itself provides an explanation:

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.” And they ask you what they should spend. Say, “The excess [beyond needs].” Thus, Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought. — Qur’an 2:219

I guess it’s analogous to “Should you run a red light if no cars are coming?”. Perhaps it would be safe for careful individuals to run red lights, and one might even argue that running red lights has benefits (e.g. it aids traffic flow). But I feel it’s accepted that this is an overall bad idea, as it could result in harm.

What about just a little?

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited. (sunnah.com)

If alcohol weren’t prohibited in small amounts, it leads to a paradox of the heap: How many drops of alcohol can you consume before it becomes haram?

Also, different people have different tolerances: what’s a small amount for one person, is over the top for another. And “one glass of wine” so easily turns into “two glasses of wine”, leading to bad decisions.

(Note that alcohol in small amounts indeed affects our mind; see e.g. There is no such thing as a safe level of alcohol consumption.

If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited”, By intoxication it’s meant to have psychedelic effects like hallucinations. And in general, anything that harms the individual is forbidden. And simple rules are easy to follow. No drink in Islam thatโ€™s the simple rule. For a better life

Prohibited as proven in Quran:

Say, โ€œMy Lord has only forbidden immoralities โ€“ what is apparent of them and what is concealed โ€“ and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.โ€

So, Allah has forbidden immoralities.

Gradual Prohibition of Bad Social Habits such as Alcohol and Temporary Marriages, Alcohol as an example:

 

Arabs Before Islam were very well-known for their huge consumption of Alcoholic drinks, and When Islam was sent, Islam followed an excellent methodology for the Prohibition of Alcohol. Gradual Prohibition of Bad social bad habits such as Alcohol and temporary types of marriages were considered in order to give new Muslims the opportunity to fix their bad habits and adjust their situations.

On the other hand, when it comes to prohibiting anything related to the faith such as prohibiting worshipping idols. The Prohibition was Instant and permanent prohibition with NO gradual prohibition

This is clearly the case here:

โ€œThey ask you หนO Prophetหบ about intoxicants and gambling. Say, โ€œThere is great evil in both, as well as some benefit for peopleโ€”but the evil outweighs the benefit.โ€1 They หนalsoหบ ask you หนO Prophetหบ what they should donate. Say, โ€œWhatever you can spare.โ€ This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you หนbelieversหบ, so perhaps you may reflect. Quran (2:219)

As you read in these verses, Allah has forbidden it because their sin and harms are greater than their benefit. Also in another text:

โ€œO believers! Do not approach prayer while intoxicated1 until you are aware of what you say, nor in a state of หนfullหบ impurityโ€  Quran (4:43)

And then the final and permanent prohibition:

โ€œO believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions1 are all evil of Satanโ€™s handiwork. So, shun them so you may be successful.โ€ Quran (5:90-91)

Allah knows Best.

For more Reading:

The Prohibition of Alcohol in Islam

Is Muta Temporary marriage permitted in Islam

Is Mutโ€™ah (temporary marriage) part of Islam?

The Prohibition of Alcohol in Islam

What is the wisdom behind the gradual prohibition of alcoholic drinks, Quran (4:43), Quran (5:90)?

Paul the False Apostle of Satan

Atheism