المسكرات

Allah says: "Intoxicants, gambling, idolatrous altars and divining arrows are an abomination from the work of Satan, so avoid them so that you may succeed" (5:90). The wisdom is given in the next verse: Satan wants to create enmity and hatred between people through intoxicants and gambling and to keep them from the remembrance of Allah and prayer (5:91).

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden" (Muslim 2003). The ruling covers alcohol in any form and, by the same reasoning (clouding the mind), harmful drugs. The Prophet ﷺ also cursed everyone involved in alcohol: the one who drinks, pours, sells, buys and carries it (Abu Dawud 3674, Ibn Majah 3380).

Practical points: avoid alcohol in food and medicine when a lawful alternative exists, and help friends who are struggling with addiction with kindness and support. Schools of law and contemporary scholars differ on some practical details; this lesson gives the common principles and flags differences without settling them. For your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.