Muslims & Alcohol

Yeah, you’ve probably heard that a person who has chosen to practice the faith of Islam does not drink alcohol.

[start of long diversion] Why? A Muslim is a person who has consciously submitted to her Creator. She realizes that her existence is the result of a conscious-will and the Creator has ordained how best she ought to live her life.

The manual that is best for her is the Quran — a book of guidance He revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In the Quran, she finds a wealth of knowledge that resonates with her desires.

For example, she desires happiness but finds nothing in this wide universe that can quell her thirst for eternal happiness. Everything that is assumed to be a source of happiness, is subject to the end of time. She turns to her book of guidance, in which she finds numerous verses saying, ‘With Him lies everlasting happiness.’

For someone who has chosen to be guided by the Creator, through His book of guidance, the rules are clear. While these rules may seem stifling to some, for a conscious Muslim, these rules are empowering because they offer a clear direction on how to reach one’s goal. [end of long diversion]

No alcohol because my Creator, to whom I know I will return, and who knows what is best for me, told me to stay away from it. My principles and state of action are compatible and I am at peace.

Now someone comes along, claims to be a Muslim but says, ‘Hey, you gotta serve alcohol OR it is ok to drink alcohol’. Paradox — awesome, an assignment to practice.

This happened last night and I flipped (in my head). Of all the Islamic injunctions known to the world, this is pretty high up on the list.Then to completely disregard its importance, especially when the audience (and speaker) consists of believers , seemed ludicrous.

So I asked myself: Why the paradox? How can you call yourself a Muslim and also be a proponent of alcohol?

The problem, most certainly, is about a lack of understanding and awareness. I can only follow rules in as much as I know the purpose behind them.

I will not smoke in an aircraft because it will jeopardize my journey. My goal is to complete the journey.

I will not vandalize walls because it will lead to punishments — losing money and/or time — both of which I value. My goal is to make the most of my time and have as much money, neither of which I want to ‘waste’.

I will not drink because alcohol is forbidden. But why is something forbidden? ‘Just because the Creator’ says so is insufficient to reach a comfortable understanding. Without an awareness of my goal — to please me Creator for to Him I will return — injunctions are nothing but obstacles that can be twisted as per whims to fulfill whatever other goal one may have.

There we go — paradox understood.

Now, I sincerely ask for guidance as to how the misunderstanding may best be rectified and may understanding prevail within me.