All Intoxicants Are Haraam (Forbidden)

In Islam, consumption or intake of any substance that intoxicates or causes loss of self-control is forbidden. Every command of Islam is based on Divine Wisdom and benefit for humanity.

Conformity to these laws brings about protection for the individual and helps to maintain a society that is safe and peaceful for all.


The prohibition of intoxicants in all its forms include alcohol, wine, drugs and any substance that intoxicates and causes dependency. The verses declaring the prohibition are mentioned in the Noble Qur'an as follows:

Verse 1 - “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, in them is great sin and (some) benefit for people. But their sin (harm) is greater than their benefit.” (S2 - V219)

Verse 2 - “O you who believe, do not approach prayer (Salaah) while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah (impurity) …”  (S4 - V43)

Verse 3 - “O you who believe, Indeed liquor, wine (all intoxicants), gambling, idols, (distribution by) arrows are absolute filth from the evil acts of the devil, so abstain and refrain from them so that you may be successful.” (S5 – V90)

From the above verses it is clear that the prohibition of all intoxicants is established from the direct text of the Noble Qur'an. The Noble Qur'an is the pure word of Almighty Allah and the book of guidance for humanity till the Last Day.

The first verse indicates how apparently it seems that intoxicants provide some relief or benefit, yet the harms far outweigh any conceived benefit.

In the second verse, the believers were cautioned from attending Salaah whilst intoxicated. At the point of revelation, the complete prohibition of alcohol was not yet revealed, however, due to its mind altering nature, a person was unable to pray and function normally, therefore the prohibition for attending Salaah whilst intoxicated.

The third verse asserts the stern prohibition of all intoxicants with its harmful consequences. The purpose of these verses is to highlight the devastating effects of intoxicants. Drug and alcohol abuse ultimately lead to ill health, disgrace, corruption, anarchy, instability and decline of the individual and his family. This further leads to the weakening of social fibre. The most dangerous consequence of drug and substance abuse is that it can ultimately lead to the loss of one's Imaan. (May Allah Ta'ala protect us all).

Prohibition of intoxicants in light of the Ahadith

Hadith 1

Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Every intoxicant is Haraam (forbidden).” (Bukhari)

Just as every Muslim regards pork and wine to be untouchable and abhorrent, intoxicants are equally unlawful and should be equally detested. The clear prohibition of drugs and intoxicants should create within us a strong abhorrence to even consider trying it.

Hadith 2

Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The one who consumes wine – intoxicants is (likened to the one) that worships idols.” (Ibn Majah)

In the commentary of this Hadith it has been explained that just as worshipping idols is a major vice that leads one to rebelling against Allah Ta'ala, similarly, consuming intoxicants is also a major sin, and if one is unrepentant and persists then it could eventually lead to deprivation of Imaan. (May Allah Ta'ala protect us all from such a fate)

Hadith 3

Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “Wine is the gatherer of all sin.” (Daylami; At Targhib)

Hadith 4

Sayyiduna 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas (R) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Wine (intoxicants) is the leader of all indecency and is from among the major sins…”(Al Mu'jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani)

These Ahadith allude to the fact that intoxicants leads a person to indulging in other evils that are practiced together with drug abuse, e.g. illicit acts, dancing, music, evil company, criminal behaviour, foregoing Salaah, etc. These intoxicants are outwardly attractive in nature, make one feel important or smart and lure one into 'enjoying' them. However once a person becomes addicted to the substance, then the consequences are devastating. Thereafter, to escape from this evil practice becomes very difficult due to its addictive nature.

Words of wisdom about the harms of drugs

Read these quotes repeatedly and speak to your soul in these words when tempted or enticed.

#1 - "Intoxicants are a trap of the devil, whoever walks in never walks out, only to become a victim of more vice and evil." (Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahib – Rahimahullah)

#2 "Do not damage your health and waste your wealth by taking drugs. If you are tempted into purchasing or have already purchased... Throw it into the toilet and flush it away... Before it flushes more of your HEALTH, WEALTH and RESPECT away” (Maulana Yunus Patel Sahib - Rahimahullah)

#3 “In the word HARAAM we find the word HARM” (Maulana Yunus Patel Sahib - Rahimahullah)

#4 “Addiction equals a moment of pleasure and a lifetime of pain so be smart … don't start.”

#6 “Never trade temporary pleasure for permanent regret”

May Allah Ta'ala protect us and our progenies from the harmful scourge of intoxicants.

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