Wine in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Prohibition
Etymology
Wine in Hebrew: חֶמֶר (k͟hemer)
Wine in Arabic: خمر (khamr)
Wine in Turkish: Şarap
Scriptural References
Wine, referred to as khamr (خمر) in Arabic, is explicitly forbidden in the Qurʾān. Here are key verses addressing its prohibition and the rationale behind it:
Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:216)
<p>“They will ask thee concerning wine and games of chance. Say: In both is great sin, and advantage also, to men; but their sin is greater than their advantage.”</p>
Sūrah Al-Ma’idah (5:92)
<p>“O believers! surely wine and games of chance, and statues, and the divining arrows, are an abomination of Satan’s work! Avoid them, that ye may prosper. Only would Satan sow hatred and strife among you, by wine, and games of chance, and turn you aside from the remembrance of God, and from prayer: will ye not, therefore, abstain from them? Obey God and obey the Apostle, and be on your guard: but if ye turn back, know that our Apostle is only bound to deliver a plain announcement.”</p>
Islamic Interpretation
Al-Jalālān, renowned Islamic exegetes, state that the prohibition specifically targets wine that intoxicates the mind and affects physical steadiness. Despite this differentiation, all major Islamic scholars and jurists hold that any form of intoxicating wine is haraam (forbidden).
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, a prominent Muslim jurist, reinforces this view by citing a narration from the Prophet Muhammad:
<p>“Whoever drinks wine, let him suffer correction by scourging as often as he drinks thereof.”</p>
Legal Consequences
In Islamic law, if a Muslim is caught drinking wine and their breath smells of it, or they are visibly intoxicated and witnessed by two people, they are subject to scourging. The prescribed punishment is:
- Eighty lashes for a free person
- Forty lashes for a slave
Historical Context and Cultural Understanding
Various historical anecdotes illustrate the social and moral reasons behind this prohibition. For instance, explorers such as Busbequius recount the Prophet Muhammad observed both the jovial and destructive effects of wine. Initial delight and camaraderie were contrasted with subsequent violence and chaos, prompting a firm prohibition.
Example from Early Muslims:
- Qais ibn Asim: Overcome by wine, he foolishly attempted to grasp the moon and unfortunately injured himself. Upon regaining his senses, Qais vowed never to drink wine again, recognizing its detrimental effects.
Suggested Readings for Further Study
- “The Qur’an” - Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- “The Hidayah” - Translation by Charles Hamilton
- “Arabian Nights” by Edward William Lane
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
Takeaways and Conclusion
The prohibition of wine in Islam stems from its potential to cause harm, outweighing any perceived benefits. These Qur’anic injunctions and the Prophetic traditions underscore the importance of maintaining sobriety for spiritual, moral, and social well-being. Through centuries, the strict avoidance of intoxicants has been a clear tenet of Islamic practice, illustrating a deep-seated concern for communal harmony and individual piety.
For comprehensive understanding, scholars and interested readers are encouraged to explore the suggested readings, providing broader historical, theological, and legal perspectives on this aspect of Islamic law and culture.
