Intoxicants (Intoxicating Substances in Islam)
Definition and Prohibition
In Islam, intoxicants refer to substances that induce an altered state of consciousness, impairing judgment and physical faculties. The Qur’an prohibits these substances due to their intoxicating effects, which are seen as detrimental to both individual and societal well-being.
Etymology
- Arabic: خمر (Khamr), meaning “fermentation” and implying any intoxicating substance, particularly alcohol.
- Turkish: İçki, meaning “a drink,” generally referring to alcoholic beverages.
Religious Texts and Teachings
The prohibition on intoxicants in Islam is primarily derived from the Qur’an, where several verses address the issue:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219): “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.’”
- Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90): “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.”
Legal and Cultural Impact
Umar I, the second Caliph, institutionalized the punishment for consuming intoxicating drinks—eighty lashes—due to the spread of drinking following Muslim territorial expansions.
- Purchasing, Selling, and Delivering: All facets of involvement with intoxicants, including buying, selling, and delivering, are deemed haram (forbidden).
- Nabidh: Refers to a drink made from soaked fruits, which can be non-intoxicating but sometimes alcoholic.
- Khamr: Refers to any fermented drink that has intoxicating properties.
Evolution of the Prohibition
In the modern context, the prohibition against intoxicants has been broadened to encompass narcotics and other drugs. The rationale behind this extension stems from the intoxicating and addictive nature of these substances.
Historical and Literary Context
Despite the stringent prohibitions, historical records show the presence of intoxicants in the courts of some Muslim rulers, and a rich literary heritage, including poetry like that of Abu Nawas, venerates wine. It reflects a nuanced and complex relationship between cultural practices and religious injunctions.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- Hughes, Thomas Patrick. Dictionary of Islam.
- Bassiouni, Cherif. The Islamic Criminal Justice System.
- Abbasi, Asad Q., and Heiligenberg, P. Islamic Law and Intoxicants: Contemporary Issues.
Takeaways
- Intoxicants are strictly prohibited in Islam due to their negative impact on individual health and societal harmony.
- The term Khamr specifically refers to any fermented drink, highlighting its prohibition.
- Prohibition guidelines have evolved to encompass modern intoxicants like narcotics.
- Cultural practices have sometimes diverged from religious teachings, evidenced by historical instances of wine consumption in Muslim societies.
Conclusion
Islamic teachings on intoxicants underscore the religion’s emphasis on maintaining physical and spiritual integrity. While the historical context reveals some discrepancies between practice and doctrine, the fundamental prohibition remains clear, entrenched in Qur’anic verses and legal rulings.
