I was curious to understand the theological basis behind why Muslim countries often have a ban on alcohol and other drugs and why Muslims refrain themselves from drinking:

The entity who designed these verses seems to not have been opposed to consuming intoxicants as a whole, as he specified one condition under which people should not consume, clearly suggesting that this condition was one exception (perhaps amongst many, but an exception nonetheless) and thus that intoxicants are not forbidden as a whole. The same goes for the other acts which he imposes conditions upon: he does not say that people can not have sex, or defecate, but that there are conditions to be imposed on these acts.

Of course, this interpretation would be more certain if I was aware of the cultural context in which it was written and the language that was used to write it in.

For example, perhaps he meant: “If you are to do harm yourself with intoxicants, then please, at least respect God and do not pray while intoxicated”, in which case, it would still not be banned, but severely discouraged. However, these specific words did not even seem to discourage drinking just like they did not discourage sex and defecation.

I could very well be wrong in my interpretation, but it seems quite plausible for me and this is why I’m curious to understand what arguments would be used to contradict my position. I have certain reasons to be opposed to a ban on alcohol, but these reasons are not the focus here: what I’m interested in is understanding this issue as I would were I a Muslim rather than an atheist.

I should note that there are verses that do discourage, though not ban, the use of alcohol:

[2:219] They ask you about intoxicants and gambling: say, “In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit.” They also ask you what to give to charity: say, “The excess.” GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect,

[5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed.

[5:91] The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to distract you from remembering GOD, and from observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Will you then refrain?

And verses like these will serve as a refuge for those wanting to maintain bans on intoxicants. I do not, however, believe that it appropriately combats the argument I presented concerning the other verse: if intoxicants are banned under every condition a human can be placed in, then why would the one who designed the Quran bother to dedicate a verse to tell us one condition under which it is not allowed? He might as well say that it is wrong to murder someone with curly hair.

The 2:219 verse suggests that it is ultimately a personal choice. The 5:90-91 ones clearly advise people not to consume alcohol or other intoxicants. However, let us not forget that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256), which is why, I believe, that Muslim countries that have a legal ban on alcohol should consider reversing it, not because of liberal philosophy, but because how Islam does not seem to warrant such a ban.

What about individual Muslims? Should they experiment with alcohol, is it right for a Muslim to consume on occasion if they do so responsibly? The Quran, as many verses reveal, was written for a very different epoch. Humans have remained similar and alcohol abuse is indeed a problem, but if we can not ban it on a large scale based on theology, then it becomes the individual’s choice. Is it impossible to benefit from a tight bond with God all while consuming alcohol on occasion? Can we find examples of people that consume and that seem on a proper path? I believe that Muslims should trust themselves with this decision and that, if they feel that they are virtuous enough and benefit from a rich spiritual life, that they should not feel guilt if they drink alcohol on occasion.

However, though drugs can be used in a responsible manner, there is indeed a minority that tends towards abuse. But the same goes for many other things that we can all agree should not be banned. Is it worst for a person to ignore his duties towards their family and towards God in favor of alcohol rather than in favor of business or television? I do not believe so. Is it worst for a man to hit his wife if he has consumed, than if he has not consumed? Is it better for a man to treat his wife perfectly if he never drinks than if he drinks on occasion? The answers I find to these questions suggests that, though Muslims should, like everyone, keep their priorities straight, that alcohol does not necessarily intervene here and that it seems as wrong to shun a person for indulging on alcohol on occasion as it is to shun a person for indulging in any of this world’s many distractions.

At worst, Muslims should see it as a challenge, as a test of their discipline and their commitment to the values of God. What is virtue if one can not do otherwise?

But I should note: though I believe that Muslims should not ban the consumption of alcohol in their countries, nor look down upon their brothers and sisters who consume it, alcohol is indeed a substance that many people abuse. However, whether or not the world would be a better place without alcohol is irrelevant; we live in a world with alcohol and laws can not truly ban it, but rather, they change the way that it exists within a society. If the Prohibition in the US is any guide, then it seems clear that it is better off legal.

And even if a ban on alcohol can be justified through some means, Islam does not appear to warrant such a ban, so religion should not be invoked in support of such laws. Religion does, however, seems to discourage its consumption and it is probably right in doing so.

-Dussault

2 Comments »

1. i was wondering if you could still pray after smkoing weed or drinkng. someone told me that you are nafaq or dirty in a sense for 36 days and you can’t pray. Ithink you still can pray just not while your are intoxicated when you sober up?

   Comment by kkk — August 30, 2009 @ 1:36 PM

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