The Almighty Allah forbade intoxication by the word “Wajtanibuhu” meaning keep away from it. This word in itself is of far reaching consequences because it keeps the consumer away from liquor and makes him/her to guard himself/herself against it. This is more than calling it Haram, in meaning. The almighty Allah has made it clear that the prosperity and success in this world and hereafter lies in keeping away from it by the words “La alla kum Muflihoon.” It has been indicated that it is harmful in this world on account of its being harmful for the economy besides casting very disastrous shadows on the family and the society and above all Shaitan wants to create enmity amongst people by means of intoxication and gambling. The Almighty Allah has described using intoxicants, amongst other things, as being appalling, despicable and hateful acts of Satan, and above all Allah has commanded us to abstain from them.The Almighty Allah, thereafter, states in the verse [Quran: 5:91], that which means: “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? This Aayah (verse) tells us how it is a detestable act of Shaitan, because intoxicants, in addition to sowing the seeds of enmity, prevent one from the remembrance of Allah.
The scholars of all four schools of Islamic jurisprudence unanimously agree that consuming anything intoxicating is Haraam.
Almighty Allah has questioned the user of intoxication: “Then, will you end it?” Even if this phrase is in the form of interrogation, it is in fact forbidding in its meaning. Indeed it is a clear command to stop it for ever.From the above verses it is clear that the intoxication has been grouped with gambling etc. and made prohibited along with them. Moreover Intoxication has been termed by the Qur’an as “RIJZ”-meaning filthy, dirty thing or act, which again means that it is forbidden. Almighty Allah ordained believers to keep away from it. This makes it definitely “Haram”. Success and prosperity of a believer in this world and hereafter has been made dependent on keeping away from it. Almighty Allah has alerted the believers from the designs of Devil to sow the seeds of hatred and enmity amongst people by means of intoxication. The scholars of all four schools of Islamic jurisprudence unanimously agree that consuming anything intoxicating is Haraam. Certain plants have also been included in this, as Imaam Rafee’ (RA) clearly stated that: “The scholars have included intoxicating plants, etc. within this prohibition.” May Almighty Allah make us obey his commands for our own good and for the good of our community (Ameen).
