Alcohol is permissible as long as one does not reach the point of intoxication?
This section refutes the claim made by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light that consuming alcohol is permissible as long as one does not reach the point of intoxication. Their stance directly contradicts the clear prohibition in the Qur'an, where Allah categorically forbids the consumption of alcohol due to its harmful effects on the mind and soul. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), Allah states: "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." This verse does not condition the prohibition on the state of intoxication but instead labels intoxicants entirely as a defilement to be avoided. By permitting limited consumption, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light undermines the wisdom of divine guidance, which seeks to protect individuals and society from the physical, mental, and spiritual harm associated with alcohol, regardless of the quantity consumed.
The Prohibition of Alcohol in Islam
The prohibition of alcohol in Islam is a well-established principle derived from the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence. The claim that alcohol is permissible as long as one does not get drunk is not supported by authentic Islamic teachings. Several passages from the Qur'an address the issue of alcohol, with the prohibition conveyed in stages.
وُيَسَّئُلُونُكُ عَنِ الخُمُرِ وَالمُيسُرِ قُليْ فِيَّهُمَا إِثْمَ كَبيرَ وَمُنِافَضِ لَلنِاسِ وَالإِثْمَ أَكَبِرَ مُنُ نُفِضِهُا.
"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-Baqarah (2:219)This verse acknowledges the potential benefit of alcohol but emphasizes that its harm and sin far outweigh any advantage. Another verse warns believers about the dangers of intoxication when it comes to worship:
َيَا أيَّهُا الَذِيَّنَ آمِنُوَ لَا تَقُرَبُوَ الصِّلَاًة وَأنْتُم سِكيَّرُى مُا تَقُوِلُوَنَ.
"O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying..."
📔 Surah An-Nisa (4:43)This guidance highlights how intoxication impairs mental clarity and hinders meaningful prayer. Finally, the Qur'an delivers a clear and absolute prohibition:
"يا أيها الذين آمنوا إنما الخمر والميسر والأنصاب والأزلام رجس من عمل الشيطان فاجتنبوه لعلكم تفلحون. إنما يريد الشيطان أن يوقع بينكم العداوة والبغضاء في الخمر والميسر ويصدكم عن ذكر الله وعن الصلاة فهل أنتم منتهون"
"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."
📔 Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90)This verse unequivocally declares alcohol as a defilement and commands believers to avoid it entirely, stressing its spiritual and social harms.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further reinforced these prohibitions through his sayings. He stated:
"كل ما أسكر كثيره فالقليل منه حرام".
"O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying..."
📔 Surah An-Nisa (4:43)This Hadith categorically prohibits even minimal amounts of intoxicants, nullifying any argument for "moderate" drinking. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly condemned all involvement with alcohol, saying:
«لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في الخمر عشرة: عاصرها، ومعتصرها، وشاربها، وحاملها، والمحمولة إليه، وساقيها، وبائعها، وآكل ثمنها، والمشتري لها، والمشتراة له».
"O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying..."
📔 (Sunan Abi Dawood, Book 26, Hadith 3674)This comprehensive condemnation demonstrates that all forms of association with alcohol are forbidden in Islam. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) described alcohol as a root cause of many evils:
"الخمر أم الخبائث، من شربها لم تقبل صلاته أربعين يوماً".
"Wine is the mother of evils. Whoever drinks it, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days."
📔 (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1862)This statement underscores the profound spiritual and moral damage caused by alcohol consumption.
Islamic scholars universally agree on the prohibition of alcohol based on these texts. A central principle derived from the Hadith is:
"ما أسكر كثيرا فهو حرام قليلا".
"What intoxicates in large amounts is forbidden even in small amounts."
📔 (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 30, Hadith 3392)The Hadith stating, "What intoxicates in large amounts is forbidden even in small amounts," is an authentic saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is recorded in multiple collections of Hadith and is highly regarded as a key principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding intoxicants.
Here are the main references:
"كل ما أسكر كثيره فالقليل منه حرام".
"Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden."
📔 (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 30, Hadith 3392)"كل ما أسكر كثيره فالقليل منه حرام".
"Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, even a small amount of it is forbidden."
📔 (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Book 14, Hadith 1865)"كل ما أسكر كثيره فالقليل منه حرام".
"Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, then a small amount of it is also forbidden."
📔 (Sunan al-Nasa'i, Book 51, Hadith 5607)Moreover, the broader Islamic principle of avoiding doubtful matters further supports the complete abstention from alcohol. Some individuals or groups may argue that alcohol is permissible if it does not lead to intoxication, but this interpretation contradicts the clear guidance of the Qur'an and Hadith. The comprehensive prohibition reflects the concern for individual spirituality, societal harmony, and obedience to Allah's commands.
In conclusion, Islam unequivocally forbids the consumption of alcohol in any quantity. The Qur'an's verses, the Prophet's teachings, and the consensus of scholars collectively establish this prohibition. Claims of permissibility in moderation are baseless within authentic Islamic teachings. For Muslims, avoiding alcohol is a means to maintain spiritual discipline, safeguard society, and fulfill the divine command.