h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Islam & Alcohol - A4070486
Author: james-hamid - U1352732

'Islam & Alcohol'

I am very interested in this topic.
Is it possible to make it more of an entry, with a few historical references and possible orthodox interpretations of the rules?

Just out of curiosity, what are strong extra-Koranic traditions called?

Thanks for the comment. I can add every single verse and if you want all those from the Bible (far more anti-drink)
As to ‘extra-Koranic traditions’ – I don’t know but I can imagine a few.

... but what is the Conclusion to your exposition (i.e. why does Islam appear to forbid the consumption of alcohol?)

I haven't the foggiest idea.
It is (I think) the interpretation of men. I have discussed this with many muslims in many countries (usually over a drink) and none has been able to refute me, but I would be delighted if someone could.

Second thoughts to radioactiveBIGAL1 - on a different planet. Keeper of Mnemonics and of the Renowned Glowing Pickle
Why does Islam appear to forbid the consumption of alcohol?
It doesn’t – that is the point. Don’t go and pray if you are rat-arsed. No problem with that. Also if you drink too much and find yourself in bed with your daughter – that is wrong. But is the drink wrong or the person who drank it?
Why do Imams and Muftis forbid the consumption of alcohol? That is a different question and probably best answered by looking at the Hegira date.

"Hegira date"

Elucidate.

Are you saying that Muslims are just like everybody else and subject to whims, fads, and following fashion in their "laws" and "customs"?

I would prefer that you steer clear of the Bible for this entry, unless you feel that the historical connection between "Christian" customs and "Muslim" copy-catting or reaction brings it into close proximity with the topic.

Traditionally speaking, what was the Prophet's (may he rest without spinning) viewpoint?

Hegira or Hejira (both: hj´r, hj´r) (KEY) [Ar.,=Hijra=breaking off of relations], the departure of the prophet Muhammad from Mecca in Sept., 622. Muhammad was a monotheist and preached against the polytheism of the Meccan religion. This aroused the hostility of the merchant leaders of his native city, who derived much of their wealth from pilgrimages to Mecca and its surrounding cities. Forced to flee from his enemies, Muhammad went to Yathrib (later renamed Medina), where he became ruler. The Muslim era is dated from the first day (July 16, 622, in the Western calendar) of the lunar year in which the Hegira took place, and the abbreviation A.H. is used with that year (A.H. 1) and subsequent years.

It is now 1426 in the Muslim world

Why ‘steer clear of the Bible’? The Koran refers to it (and Jesus) often and says nothing against Christians other than that they are mistaken in believing that he was ‘the son of God’. That does get you into a whole new area and one that I wouldn’t wish to tread lightly. However – Jesus did ask to be remembered with a glass of wine!

I have not been able to find any definitive as to whether Mohammed did or not drink. However he appears to have espoused the idea of moderation (if you call four wives moderation).

Hello James, I should have guessed 'Rabat' (anagram thread) links with you living in Morocco.
I work and live in Dhahran/Manama. They're only a short drive apart on either side of the King Fahad Causeway.
Islam and alcohol? Well it's done by many muslims,and the Quran like the Bible is heavily dependent on who's doing the interpretation. This of course has given rise to the the different sects and the myriad problems that have inevitably ensued.
My 'Groucho's Bar' place is some where in England if you fancy a stab at it.

Hi lapislazuli
Well spotted. Yes I do (Casablanca to be exact) and curiously in an area which is wall-to-wall bars. The really odd thing is that half of them are also betting shops. During Ramadan, high days and holidays the selling of alcohol stops but the betting shops remain open! Decidedly odd as betting is clearly banned in the Koran.
However, your comment is right. It is the interpretation (of all religions) that causes the problems.
I’d gladly visit your 'Groucho's Bar' but I have no plans to visit Ol’ Blighty in the immediate future.

Nice topic!

It could use an introduction and paragraphs. Right now it reads a bit like 'A guide to searching for certain Words in the Koran' -- well to me at least. I'll try to come up with some examples and more constructive criticism later on!

HELL

Sorry I thought that
"The (perceived) interpretation of Islam gives the impression that one of the main tenets of the faith it is that drinking alcohol is forbidden. If you have actually read the Koran you might be left wondering ‘why?’ "
was a pretty specific introductory paragraph.
Yes it is a word search AND ONLY that. It is NOT intended as an interpretation of Islam or anything else. It is neither for or against Islam. It merely raises a question.
Of course, any comments you have are appreciated but nobody (yet) has replied 'this is a load of bollocks' and quoted chapter and verse to prove me wrong.
If you can - please do.

James, I'm laughing! Groucho's Bar isn't an invitation, it's the next place name anagram! GROUCHO'S BAR is an anagram of somewhere in England. I'm living in the Gulf! If it was my bar, you'd be most welcome, but like you, I have no intention of going to England in the near future. Cheers anyway.

I know and we (both) got ticked off on the other thread because (presumably American) 'monitors' don't regard either Scarborough or Doncaster as places. 75% of Americans cannot locate Iraq on a world map.

Nobody got Wellingborough - but maybe it doesn't exist any more.

No problem. I lived and worked in the Middle East (Saudi, UAE, Yemen, Qatar and Oman for 22 years)

That's longer than me: I've been in this region only since 1988, (Kuwait, UAE, Saudi,Bahrain and Oman for 2 visits not work). Yes,our knuckles were rapped but it's only a bit of fun eh?

Exactly - but the Islam vs Booze is semi-serious.

This Entry is certainly NOT a load of bullsh*t... Maybe one way to disarm me would be to re-title the Entry to something in the lines of: "What the Koran says about Alcohol - and what it doesn't"

See? I think Islam is more complex than the Koran.

In the introduction you may mention that 'alcohol' - or the behaviour of inebriated people - is very generally perceived as a problem (cf. 'dry law' in the US) and that many cultures try to regulate consumption of alcohol (cf. the extremely high taxes on liquor in Sweden). Cultures influenced by Islam are, obviously, no exception. In such countries one will often find laws that are claimed to be backed by the Koran - possibly because it is easier to convince the simpler minded people using the argument that 'alcohol is forbidden because God said so'. Then you could go on and say: "This causes the impression (among Muslims and non-Muslims) that one of the main tenets of the Islamic faith it is that drinking alcohol is forbidden. After actually reading the Koran one might be left wondering ‘why?’"

I think this kind of intro gives the Entry a bigger perspective.

HELL

I accept your comments but I try to adhere to the KISS principle.

The 'extra-Koranic traditions' refered to above:

Did the poster maybe mean 'What do the aHadith say?' (the reported sayings of Mohammed (pbuh))

What do they say, out of curiosity?

Another thing that's always puzzled me - another fine intoxicant has long been associated with many Islamic countries. Certainly many Muslims would put the blessed 'erb beloved of Jah in the same category as alcohol - but why is it, nevertheless, regarded by many as more culturally acceptable?

Oh...one more point:

In fairness - maybe it's a little rude to expect Muslims to justify their abstinence. Perhaps add a para at the end to the effect of 'at the end of the day, it's their business.'?


It's a bit like when I, as a vegetarian, am asked 'Ah! So how come you wear leather shoes, then? (Eh? eh? Got you there, haven't I?)'
My answer is 'Look - if *you* have a problem with leather shoes - don't eat them! Or wear them.'