خمر
Khamr
Topic
The Quran prohibits intoxicants in stages, and calls them “an abomination of Satan’s handiwork” (5:90).
What it means
The first verse says “in them is great sin and some benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit” (2:219). The second says “do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated” (4:43). The last says: “Intoxicants, gambling, idols and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s work; avoid it” (5:90–91). The Prophet said “every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden” (Sahih Muslim), which scholars extend to drugs.
Often misunderstood as
That the Quran promises wine in Paradise, so it contradicts its own ban.
What the sources say
The wine of Paradise is described as different: “no headache nor intoxication from it” (37:47, 56:19). Muslim scholars explain that what is forbidden here is the harm of the drink, and it is promised there without harm.