Introduction
Throughout history, Islamic scholars have played a pivotal role in shaping ethical, scientific, and societal norms in Muslim societies. One area of particular influence—often overlooked—is their impact on liquor production. Rooted in the principles of the Qur’an and Hadith, Islamic teachings on alcohol have not only influenced religious and legal thought but have also had lasting implications on the production, regulation, and cultural acceptance of liquor. This article explores how Islamic scholars historically affected liquor production, the ethical framework behind their stance, and the resulting socio-economic consequences.
The Islamic Prohibition on Alcohol
The foundation of Islamic opposition to alcohol lies in the Qur’an, which explicitly forbids intoxicants in several verses. The most definitive verse, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90), 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.”
Building on these divine injunctions, Islamic scholars—particularly jurists and theologians—developed a rigorous framework around the concept of haram (forbidden) substances. Alcohol became a primary focus in legal schools such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, with scholars advocating total prohibition not only on consumption but also on production, distribution, and sale.
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