Islamic Guidance on Alcohol and Intoxicants - A Reminder

Assalamu alaikum. I want to share some reminders from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah about alcohol and intoxicants, keeping things simple and practical. Qur'aanic reminder: Allaah says: “O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, Al-Ansaab and Al-Azlaam are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid that, so you may be successful. Satan only wants to create enmity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling and to prevent you from the remembrance of Allaah and from prayer. Will you not desist?” (Qur’an 5:90) This verse shows clearly that intoxicants are forbidden and harmful - they were compared to idolatry, called an abomination, described as the devil’s work, and believers are ordered to desist because of the harm they cause like enmity and neglecting remembrance and prayer. Ahaadith reminders (summarized): - The Messenger ﷺ warned that wine and those involved with it are cursed in many ways - the drinker, seller, buyer, presser, server, etc. (Ibn Majah, Abi Dawud) - He ﷺ said, “Avoid all intoxicants.” (Ibn Majah) - He ﷺ said that wine is the key to every evil, and warned that drinking prevents a believer’s prayer being accepted for periods if persisted in, though sincere repentance is accepted until one dies in stubborn disbelief. (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi) - He ﷺ taught that every intoxicant is unlawful, and whatever intoxicates in large amounts is forbidden even in small amounts. (Muslim, Ibn Majah) - Companions and scholars stressed: stay away from wine; it is the mother of wickedness. (An-Nasa’i) Practical steps and encouragement: - If you’ve never consumed alcohol, take these verses as a clear warning and stay away. Keep making du‘a and seek knowledge to stay firm. - If you have used alcohol, sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness, stop immediately, and keep trying. The Prophet ﷺ said that when we leave something for the sake of Allah, He will replace it with something better (Musnad Ahmad). - If you struggle with addiction, turn to Allah, ask for strength, and make practical changes: avoid environments and friends that trigger you, seek support from trusted family or a Muslim counselor, and keep returning to repentance if you slip. Never lose hope in Allah’s mercy. Allah says: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Az-Zumar 39:53) And the Prophet ﷺ reminded us that whenever we sincerely call on Allah and ask forgiveness, He forgives abundantly. May Allah keep us firm on what pleases Him, grant us tawfeeq to avoid intoxicants, forgive our mistakes, and replace our bad habits with good. Ameen.