the mother of all evils , major root Greater sin , Addiction danger : alcohol

Explore the complex relationship between alcohol and global health risks, including its effects on the body, addiction, and societal impact. Understand the dangers of alcohol use disorder and liver disease, and learn the importance of moderation guidelines for better health outcomes.

GENERAL

Dr Hassan Al Warraqi

3/4/202516 min read

Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam

Alcohol in reality and in Islam

Ethanol alcohol Impact on the Body Global Health Risks Realities Of Drinking



Ethanol as a Recreational Substance


Overview


Ethanol, the psychoactive component in alcoholic beverages, is a central nervous system depressant known for its euphoric and sedative effects.

While it has limited medical uses (e.g., treating methanol poisoning), its recreational consumption poses significant health and societal risks.



Key Points


  1. Health Effects:


  • Short-term: Impaired judgment, nausea, accidents, and hangovers.

  • Long-term: Liver disease (cirrhosis, cancer), cardiovascular issues, neurological damage, and increased cancer risk (e.g., breast, liver).

  • Addiction: Alcohol use disorder affects millions globally, with severe withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens.


  1. Social and Legal Impact:

    • Linked to crime, domestic violence, traffic fatalities, and workplace productivity loss.

    • Legal status varies; prohibited in some Muslim-majority countries, regulated elsewhere with age restrictions and public intoxication laws.


  1. Pharmacology:

    • Enhances GABA activity, suppressing brain function. Metabolized in the liver to toxic acetaldehyde, contributing to long-term damage.


  1. Interactions:

    • Dangerous with sedatives, opioids, and NSAIDs (increased bleeding risk). Disulfiram-like reactions occur with certain drugs.


  1. Historical Context:

    • Used since ancient times, with modern regulations emerging from public health crises (e.g., Prohibition in the U.S., gin craze in 18th-century Britain).


  1. Public Health Perspective:

    • The WHO states no safe consumption level. Alcohol contributes to 2.6 million annual deaths globally, with industry practices likened to tobacco in downplaying risks.


Conclusion


Ethanol’s dual role as a cultural staple and public health hazard underscores the need for informed consumption policies.

While deeply embedded in social rituals, its profound health risks and societal costs necessitate global awareness and stricter regulatory measures to mitigate harm.


Alcohol: Global Health Risks and Responses


Key Facts


  • Global Impact: In 2019, alcohol caused 2.6 million deaths worldwide, including 1.6 million from noncommunicable diseases, 700,000 from injuries, and 300,000 from communicable diseases.


  • Gender Disparity: Men accounted for 2 million deaths, women for 600,000.


  • Youth Vulnerability: 13% of alcohol-related deaths occurred among people aged 20–39.


  • Addiction: An estimated 400 million people (7% of adults) live with alcohol use disorders, including 209 million with alcohol dependence.


  • Progress: Alcohol-related deaths decreased by 20.2% globally from 2010–2019, yet policy implementation faces industry interference.


Health Risks of Alcohol Use


Alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases and injuries, including:


  1. Noncommunicable Diseases:

    • Liver disease: Leading cause of alcohol-attributable deaths.

    • Cancer: Responsible for 4.4% of global cancer cases (e.g., breast, liver, colorectal).

    • Cardiovascular diseases: Caused 474,000 deaths in 2019.


  1. Mental Health: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.


  1. Injuries:

    • Road crashes: 298,000 deaths in 2019, half caused by others’ drinking.

    • Violence, falls, drowning, and suicide.


  1. Pregnancy Risks: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), miscarriage, and preterm birth.


  1. Infectious Diseases: Exacerbates outcomes for tuberculosis and HIV.




Factors Influencing Harm


  • Consumption Patterns: Heavy episodic or continuous drinking drives most harm.

  • Individual Vulnerability: Age, sex, health status, and genetic factors affect risk.

  • Societal Context: Cultural norms, economic development, and alcohol availability.

  • Gender Differences:

    • Consumption: Men drink 4x more on average than women.

    • Mortality: Alcohol caused 6.7% of male deaths vs. 2.4% of female deaths in 2019.



WHO Response and Strategies


  1. Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022–2030): Aims to reduce harmful use through:

    • High-impact policies: Tax increases, marketing bans, and availability restrictions.

    • Universal Health Coverage: Strengthening treatment for alcohol use disorders.

    • SAFER Initiative: Supports countries in implementing cost-effective interventions.


  1. Challenges:

    • Industry Interference: Alcohol companies often obstruct policy development.

    • Treatment Gaps: Less than 14% of those with alcohol disorders access care.


  1. Monitoring: The Global Information System on Alcohol and Health (GISAH) tracks consumption, harm, and policy responses.



Conclusion


Reducing alcohol-related harm requires evidence-based policies, cross-sector collaboration, and protection from industry influence.


Prioritizing public health over profit, alongside global governance, can mitigate the devastating health and social impacts of alcohol.


By implementing the WHO’s action plan, nations can advance toward Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, ensuring healthier populations and equitable futures.




Alcohol's Impact on the Body


Excessive alcohol consumption—whether occasional binge drinking or chronic use—can severely harm your health.

Here’s a breakdown of its effects on major bodily systems:


Brain

Alcohol disrupts neural pathways, altering brain structure and function.

This interference impairs mood regulation, decision-making, and coordination, while hindering cognitive clarity and motor skills.


Heart

Prolonged or heavy drinking damages cardiovascular health, leading to:


  • Cardiomyopathy: Enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle.

  • Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that disrupt blood flow.

  • Stroke: Increased risk due to blood clots or vessel damage.

  • Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure strains the heart.


Liver


The liver bears the brunt of alcohol metabolism, risking progressive damage:


  1. Fatty Liver (Steatosis): Buildup of fat in liver cells.

  2. Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation causing jaundice and pain.

  3. Fibrosis: Scar tissue formation impairing function.

  4. Cirrhosis: Irreversible scarring, leading to liver failure.


Pancreas


Alcohol triggers toxic enzyme production in the pancreas, causing pancreatitis—a painful inflammation that disrupts digestion by impairing enzyme and hormone release.


Cancer


The National Cancer Institute (NCI) classifies alcohol as a known carcinogen. Regular or heavy use elevates risks for:


  • Head/Neck Cancers: Oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal.

  • Esophageal Cancer: Especially squamous cell carcinoma.

  • Liver Cancer: Linked to chronic liver damage.

  • Breast Cancer: Even one daily drink raises risk by 5–15%.

  • Colorectal Cancer: Increased with prolonged use.


Did You Know?


In 2009, alcohol contributed to 3.5% of U.S. cancer deaths (~19,500 lives).


Immune System

Alcohol weakens immune defenses, making the body vulnerable to infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Even a single binge episode can suppress immunity for up to 24 hours, heightening disease susceptibility.


Key Takeaway


No level of alcohol consumption is entirely risk-free.

Moderation or abstinence is crucial to mitigating these health threats.





Alcohol Consumption: Navigating Risks and Realities

Core Insight


Every instance of alcohol intake involves health risks, regardless of quantity.

Even minimal consumption carries potential harm, though risks escalate with higher amounts.

Personal health assessments are crucial for informed decisions.


Understanding "Moderate" Consumption


Guidelines vary globally, but U.S. standards advise:


  • Women: Maximum 1 drink daily.

  • Men: Maximum 2 drinks daily.


Standard Drink Equivalents:


  • 12 oz (355 mL) standard beer

  • 5 oz (148 mL) table wine

  • 1.5 oz (44 mL) 80-proof spirits


Note: Definitions of moderation may differ internationally.



Hazards of Moderate Consumption

Even occasional drinking correlates with:


  • Elevated Cancer Likelihood: Notably breast and colorectal cancers, escalating with frequency.

  • Caloric Impact: Contributes to weight management challenges.

  • Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Inflammation and digestive disturbances.


Debunked Claims: Earlier assertions of cardiovascular or diabetic benefits lack conclusive support.

Opt for nutrition and physical activity for proven health improvements.


Consequences of Excessive Consumption


Excessive Drinking Thresholds:


  • Women: Exceeding 3 daily drinks or 7 weekly drinks.

  • Men: Exceeding 4 daily drinks or 14 weekly drinks.

  • Binge Episodes: 4+ drinks (women) or 5+ drinks (men) within 2 hours.


Health Implications:


  • Oncological Risks: Cancers of the liver, throat, and digestive tract.

  • Hepatic Damage: Cirrhosis, fatty liver disease.

  • Cardiovascular Strain: Elevated blood pressure, stroke risk.

  • Safety Threats: Accidents, self-harm, fetal development issues during pregnancy.



Populations Advised to Abstain


  • Expectant Mothers: Potential fetal neurodevelopmental harm.

  • Medication Recipients: Risk of adverse drug interactions.

  • Individuals Under 21: Prohibited by U.S. law.

  • History of Dependency: Those with alcohol-related disorders.

  • High-Alert Situations: Caregiving, driving, or operating machinery.



Strategies for Informed Decisions


  • Non-Drinkers: No health advantages to initiating alcohol use.

  • Current Drinkers: Evaluate personal risks, adhere to moderation, and consult healthcare professionals.


Critical Reminder: Excessive consumption significantly heightens health dangers, even absent prior conditions. Prioritize safety and expert medical advice.




Risk Overview

Consumption Level

Associated Risks

Moderate

Minor cancer risk, metabolic effects

Heavy/Binge

Organ damage, cardiovascular decline, accidental injury

All Levels

Unsafe for specific groups (e.g., pregnant individuals, minors)

Final Thought: Empower yourself with knowledge—your well-being depends on mindful choices.





Alcohol Use and Health: Key Insights


Why Moderation Matters


  • Immediate & Long-Term Risks: Excessive alcohol use harms your body instantly and over time.

  • Definitions of Excessive Use:

    • Binge Drinking: ≥4 drinks (women) or ≥5 drinks (men) in one session.

    • Heavy Drinking: ≥8 drinks/week (women) or ≥15 drinks/week (men).

    • Underage/Prenatal Drinking: Any alcohol under age 21 or during pregnancy.

  • Healthier Choice: Less alcohol = lower risks.



The Toll of Alcohol

  • Annual U.S. Deaths: ~178,000 lives lost to alcohol-related causes.

  • Liver Strain: Processes only small amounts; excess damages organs.



Short-Term Consequences


Excessive single episodes can cause:


  • Injuries: Car crashes, falls, burns.

  • Violence: Homicide, suicide, domestic abuse.

  • Poisoning/Overdose: Dangerous BAC levels or mixing with drugs.

  • Unsafe Choices: STIs, unplanned pregnancy.

  • Pregnancy Risks: Miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol disorders.



Long-Term Health Threats


  • Cancer: Linked to breast (women), liver, throat, and colon cancers.

    • 20,000+ U.S. deaths yearly from alcohol-related cancers.

  • Chronic Diseases: Hypertension, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, stroke.

  • Mental & Social Impact: Anxiety, depression, memory loss, strained relationships.




Reducing Your Risk


  • Moderate Limits:


  1. Women: ≤1 drink/day.

  2. Men: ≤2 drinks/day.

  3. Standard Drink Examples: 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz liquor.


  • Prevention Steps:


  1. Track intake with tools like the CDC Alcohol Calculator.

  2. Avoid alcohol if pregnant, under 21, or on certain medications.

  3. Seek support for dependency (e.g., therapy, support groups).


Take Action Today



Your Health, Your Choice: Prioritize well-being by making informed decisions about alcohol.




Alcohol: Understanding Consumption and Health Impacts

Overview

While many adults consume alcohol occasionally, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend abstaining or drinking in moderation.


Even moderate intake carries risks, and certain individuals should avoid alcohol entirely.


How Alcohol Affects the Body


  • Central Nervous System: Slows brain activity, impairing mood, judgment, coordination, and memory.

  • Physical Effects: Raises blood pressure, heart rate, and can induce vomiting with excessive intake.

  • Long-Term Risks: Liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and weakened immune function.


Why Effects Vary


Alcohol impacts individuals differently based on:


  • Quantity and frequency of drinking

  • Age, sex, genetics, and overall health

  • Family history of alcohol-related issues


Defining Consumption Levels


  1. Moderate Drinking:

    • Women: ≤1 standard drink/day

    • Men: ≤2 standard drinks/day

    • Note: Moderate drinking still increases risks for certain cancers and heart disease.


  1. Excessive Drinking:

    • Binge Drinking: BAC ≥0.08% within 2–3 hours (≥4 drinks for women; ≥5 for men).

    • Heavy Use:

      • Women: >4 drinks/day or >8/week

      • Men: >5 drinks/day or >15/week



Standard Drink Equivalents

  • 12 oz regular beer (5% alcohol)

  • 5 oz wine (12% alcohol)

  • 1.5 oz distilled spirits (40% alcohol)


Who Should Avoid Alcohol?


  • Individuals in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD)

  • Those under age 21

  • Pregnant individuals or those trying to conceive

  • People taking medications that interact with alcohol

  • Those with medical conditions worsened by alcohol

  • Anyone operating vehicles, machinery, or tasks requiring alertness


Risks of Excessive Use


  • Immediate Dangers: Injuries, alcohol poisoning, overdose (especially with opioids), violence, and unsafe decisions.

  • Long-Term Health Issues:

    • Liver disease (cirrhosis, fatty liver)

    • Heart disease, hypertension, stroke

    • Increased cancer risk (breast, liver, throat, colon)

    • Mental health decline (anxiety, depression)

    • Social and occupational challenges


Annual U.S. Toll: ~178,000 deaths linked to excessive alcohol use.



Prevention and Safer Choices


  • Track Intake: Use tools like the CDC Alcohol Calculator.

  • Avoid Triggers: Steer clear of situations encouraging heavy use.

  • Seek Support: Therapy, support groups (e.g., AA), or medical treatment for AUD.

  • Consult Healthcare Providers: Discuss personal risks and safe limits.



Key Takeaway:

No level of alcohol is entirely risk-free.

Prioritize informed decisions and consult professionals to safeguard your health.






Understanding Different Types of Alcohol and Their Risks


1. Primary Types of Alcohol


  • Ethanol:

    • Purpose: Found in alcoholic beverages, health/beauty products, and fuels.

    • Risks: Overconsumption leads to poisoning (vomiting, confusion, organ damage).

  • Methanol:

    • Use: Industrial solvent, fuel, and formaldehyde production.

    • Risks: Toxic even in small doses; causes blindness, seizures, or death.

  • Isopropyl (Rubbing Alcohol):

    • Use: Disinfectants, cleaning agents.

    • Risks: Rapid toxicity; ingestion causes coma, respiratory failure, or death.


2. Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning


  • Ethanol:

    • Nausea, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, internal bleeding.

  • Methanol:

    • Breathing difficulties, vision loss, jaundice, coma.

  • Isopropyl:

    • Throat/stomach pain, low blood pressure, burns, unconsciousness.

Immediate medical attention is critical for all types of poisoning.



3. Alcoholic Beverages: Categories & Strengths


  • Beer:

    • Strength: 4–9% alcohol.

    • Example: 12 oz beer ≈ 14g pure alcohol.

  • Wine:

    • Table Wine: 12% alcohol (5 oz serving).

    • Fortified Wine (e.g., sherry): 17% alcohol (3–4 oz serving).

  • Distilled Spirits (e.g., vodka, whiskey):

    • Strength: ~40% alcohol (1.5 oz serving).

  • Liqueurs:

    • Sweetened spirits (e.g., Baileys) at ~24% alcohol (2–3 oz serving).



4. Household Products Containing Alcohol


  • Mouthwash: Up to 27% ethanol; ingestion risks poisoning.

  • Hand Sanitizer: ≥60% alcohol (often methanol); toxic if swallowed.

  • Vanilla Extract: 35% ethanol; excessive intake causes toxicity.


Never consume non-beverage alcohol—life-threatening consequences.



5. Alcohol Proof: Measuring Strength


  • Definition: Double the percentage of alcohol by volume (e.g., 40% alcohol = 80 proof).

  • Strongest Spirits: Near 100% alcohol (e.g., Everclear at 95% or 190 proof).


Key Takeaways


  • Ethanol is the only safe alcohol for consumption in moderation.

  • Methanol/isopropyl are highly toxic; avoid ingestion.

  • Household products with alcohol are not alternatives to beverages.

  • Understanding proof helps gauge drink potency.


Always prioritize safety and consult professionals for substance misuse concerns.



No Safe Level of Alcohol Consumption: WHO's Definitive Stance on Health Risks

A Clear Warning from the WHO


The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts unequivocally: no amount of alcohol is safe for health.

Published in The Lancet Public Health, this declaration underscores that every sip of alcohol carries health risks, dispelling myths about "moderate" benefits.



Alcohol: A Leading Carcinogen


  • Classified as Group 1 Carcinogen: Alongside tobacco and asbestos, alcohol directly damages DNA and disrupts hormone regulation, leading to at least seven cancer types, including breast, bowel, liver, and esophageal cancers.


  • Mechanism of Harm: Ethanol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that triggers cellular mutations, irrespective of the drink’s type, quality, or price.


Even "Light" Drinking Poses Risks


  • European Data: In the WHO European Region, half of alcohol-linked cancers arise from "light" or "moderate" consumption (e.g., <1.5L wine or <3.5L beer weekly).


  • Breast Cancer Impact: Most alcohol-attributable breast cancers in women stem from these consumption levels, with the EU witnessing the highest burden.


No Safe Threshold Exists


  • Risk Begins Immediately: Scientific evidence confirms no safe threshold; carcinogenic effects start with the first drop.


  • Myth of Benefits Debunked: Claims that low-level drinking protects against heart disease or diabetes are outweighed by cancer risks. Studies often overlook confounding factors like lifestyle and socioeconomic status.


Regional and Social Disparities

  • High Consumption in Europe: Leads to over 200 million people at risk of alcohol-related cancers.

  • Vulnerable Populations: Low-income groups face disproportionate harm due to limited healthcare access and higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations.


Urgent Public Health Actions


  • Warning Labels: Mandate cancer-risk labels on alcohol, akin to tobacco products.

  • Healthcare Training: Equip professionals to educate patients on alcohol’s dangers.

  • Awareness Campaigns: Combat widespread ignorance of alcohol’s carcinogenic role.


Conclusion


Alcohol’s risks begin with the first drink and escalate with consumption.

Prioritizing public health requires dispelling myths, implementing stringent policies, and fostering informed choices. Zero alcohol is the only safe choice.


Frequently Asked Questions about Alcohol (Mother of Evils) FAQS



What is alcohol and what is the origin of this name "Mother of Evils"?



Alcohol is alcohol. It is referred to as the "Mother of Evils" because it is considered the origin and source of many social and moral evils and plagues.


It leads to loss of reason, committing sins, and causing health and social problems.


Why is alcohol considered the "Mother of Evils"? What is some evidence for this?


Alcohol is considered the "Mother of Evils" because it is the gateway to many sins.


It takes away the mind, making a person vulnerable to committing irresponsible and immoral acts. It can lead to domestic violence, traffic accidents, chronic health problems, and addiction.


What are the health effects of drinking alcohol?


Drinking alcohol has serious health effects in the short and long term.


In the short term, alcohol can cause loss of consciousness, alcohol poisoning, and accidents.


In the long run, it can lead to liver disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and addiction.



What are the social effects of drinking alcohol?


Alcohol causes the disintegration of families, increases crime rates, domestic violence, and traffic accidents.

It also negatively affects productivity at work and leads to financial problems.


What is the position of religion on alcohol?


Religion strictly forbids alcohol, and considers it one of the major taboos.


It urges people to stay away from it and avoid it in all ways.



What are the methods that can be followed to prevent alcohol addiction?


Alcohol addiction can be prevented by raising awareness of its dangers, avoiding mixing with addicts, seeking social and psychological support when needed, and engaging in healthy and beneficial activities.




What advice do you give to someone who has already fallen into the trap of alcohol addiction?


The advice for someone who has fallen into the trap of addiction is to seek specialized help from doctors and centers specialized in treating addiction.


Family and friends should also be sought for the necessary support and encouragement to overcome this problem.



What is the responsibility of society towards combating alcohol and its negative effects?


Society has a great responsibility in combating alcohol by raising awareness of its dangers, providing support to addicts, implementing deterrent laws to prevent its spread, and promoting moral and religious values ​​that prohibit it.


"Alcohol: The Mother of Evils"


This excerpt provides a brief and effective definition of alcohol (wine) as the "mother of evils".


This powerful expression indicates that alcohol is the root or main cause of many evils and social and moral problems.


The focus here is on the negative and comprehensive impact of alcohol.



Key Ideas:


Definition of alcohol: Alcohol is directly defined as "alcohol".

Description of alcohol: Alcohol is described as the "mother of evils", which is a strong metaphor.

Implication: This expression carries a very negative connotation, indicating that alcohol is the root of problems and evils.


Key Quotes:


"The mother of all evils is alcohol"


The phrase "the mother of all evils" reflects a moral or religious position that views alcohol as a harmful substance that leads to corruption and deviation.


This description can be understood as a warning about the dangers of alcohol and its negative effects on the individual and society.


The use of the word "mother" indicates that alcohol is not just one evil, but rather the origin and source of other evils.


Implications:


This excerpt, despite its brevity, carries a strong message about the dangers of alcohol and its negative effects.


It can be used in different contexts to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and call for avoiding it or moderating its consumption.




What is the definition of alcohol in Islam, and what are its most prominent names and descriptions?


Wine in Islam is anything that intoxicates and covers the mind, i.e. anything that intoxicates regardless of its source or method of consumption.


This includes alcoholic beverages and drugs of all kinds.


Alcohol was given this name because it ferments the mind and covers it, just as a veil covers a woman's face.


It has been given many names such as: alcoholic beverages, beer, tonics, and evening drinks, but in reality it is "destroyers". Scholars describe it as the mother of all evils and the key to all evil.



What is the legal evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah that prohibits alcohol?


There is much evidence in the Qur'an and Sunnah that prohibits alcohol.


From the Qur'an:


Allah Almighty says: {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.} [Al-Baqarah: 219].


Allah the Almighty says: {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. * 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?} [Al-Ma'idah: 90-91].



From the Sunnah:


The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every intoxicant is forbidden.”


The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Wine is the mother of all evils.”


The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed ten people regarding wine: “The one who squeezes it, the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who drinks it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who pours it, the one who sells it, the one who eats its price, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought.”


The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If an alcoholic dies, he will meet Allaah as an idol worshipper.”



What are the most prominent religious and worldly harms that result from drinking alcohol?


Drinking alcohol has serious religious and worldly harms, including:


Religiously


Staying away from Allaah, not having one’s prayers accepted for forty days, being deprived of Paradise, resembling idol worshippers, and committing major sins.


Worldly


Wasting money, corrupting the mind, stirring up enmity and hatred, turning away from the remembrance of Allah and prayer, falling into adultery and indecency, losing jealousy, causing crimes, family disintegration, physical and psychological illnesses.



How was alcohol prohibited in Islam? And what are the stages that this prohibition went through?


Alcohol was prohibited in Islam in stages:

The first stage: stating that it contains a great sin and benefits, but the sin isGreater benefit (Al-Baqarah: 219).


The second stage: Prohibition of approaching prayer while drunk (An-Nisa: 43).


The third stage: The absolute prohibition of alcohol, considering it an abomination from the work of Satan, and the command to avoid it (Al-Ma'idah: 90-91).


This gradualism was a mercy from Allah to the Muslims, as they had become accustomed to drinking alcohol, and if they were forbidden from it all at once, it would have been difficult for them.



What is the punishment for a drinker of alcohol in this world and the hereafter?


In this world: The legal punishment for a drinker of alcohol is eighty lashes according to the majority of scholars.


In the hereafter: Prayers will not be accepted for forty days, and he may enter Hell if he dies and does not repent, and he will be deprived of drinking the alcohol of Paradise.



What are the reasons that lead to the spread of drinking alcohol and drugs in Muslim societies?


The reasons are many, the most prominent of which are:


Weakness in observing Allah.

Freedom and not making the most of time.

Easy access to alcohol and drugs.

Misleading media that adorns drinking alcohol.


Poverty and unemployment.


Parents not monitoring their children.


Bad companions.


What are the ways and means through which the scourge of alcohol and drugs in society can be combated?


To combat this scourge, the following must be followed:


Strengthening faith in God and monitoring Him.

Repenting to God and turning to Him.

Referring to the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Engaging youth with beneficial and useful things.

Monitoring and guiding children.

Advice and reminding them of God.

Activating the role of educational, religious and media institutions in raising awareness of the harms of alcohol and drugs.

Applying the legal limits to users and promoters.



What are the descriptions of the wine of Paradise, and how does it differ from the wine of this world?


The wine of Paradise differs from the wine of this world in several descriptions:


Purity: The wine of Paradise is pure and clean, and there is no impurity or filth in it.

Pleasure: It tastes delicious and does not cause headaches or harm.

Reason: It does not take away the mind or spoil it, but rather increases joy and happiness.


Ethics: It is not accompanied by idle talk, sin, or lying.


Gatherings: Its gatherings are gatherings of remembrance and praise of Allah, and not gatherings of disobedience and sin.


The wine of Paradise is a complete bliss without any defect, and it is one of the greatest things that Allah has prepared for His pious servants.



Is there a specific crime that Islam has warned against regarding drinking alcohol?


Wine is the mother of obscenities and the greatest of major sins.

Whoever drinks it will fall upon his mother, aunt, and paternal aunt.



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Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam
Alcohol in reality and in Islam