The Quran forbids intoxicants because they cloud the mind and lead to harm, quarrels and neglect of prayer. Muslims avoid all drinks and drugs that intoxicate, in any amount.
The fuller answer
The ruling came in stages. The Quran first said that wine and gambling hold some benefit but their sin is greater than their benefit, then told people not to pray while drunk, and finally called them 'an abomination of Satan's work' that cause enmity and hatred and keep people from the remembrance of God. The companions poured their wine in the streets of Medina.
The Prophet ﷺ said that what intoxicates in large amounts is forbidden in small amounts too. Muslims point to the harm of alcohol to health, families and road safety. Muslims also avoid working in or profiting from alcohol, and cooking with it.
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. 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?
They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess [beyond needs]." Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
This answer follows the mainstream Sunni understanding and is general learning, not a fatwa. Where Muslims differ, the answer says so. Have a question of your own? Write to us.
