Question
If a Muslim brother decides to drink wine or another alcohol in a moderate manner, will he be taken to hell-fire in the afterlife? I read in an Islamic Book (Islam, the religion of truth by Abdul Rahman Ben Hammad AL Omar) that one who drinks alcohol or takes any drug to alter one’s mind will be punished by Allah by being ‘flogged with up to 40-80 lashes in the Hereafter’. Would you agree with this statement and if not please state your views?
What happens if a Muslim brother decides to quit alcohol… will Allah forgive him or will he still be punished in someway? Thank you.
Answer
God has prohibited liquor. A Muslim, who by definition is a person, who resolves and pledges to live his life in obedience to God, must refrain from all such acts, which entail disobedience to God’s directives. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that there is no such thing as ‘moderate’ disobedience. A Muslim should, therefore, refrain from consuming even the minutest quantities of liquor.
If a person knowingly disobeys God’s directives, he shall have to face the dire consequences of his actions in the hereafter. We do not know with any degree of certainty, what might be the just consequences of a particular ‘bad’ deed. The punishment of each ‘bad’ deed shall be decided by God, in the most just and merciful manner.
A person, who truly repents, seeks forgiveness and sincerely resolves to correct his behavior, shall find the doors of complete forgiveness of his sins wide open. God has promised forgiveness to all those, who, during the time they are allowed to live, seek forgiveness and resolve to correct their behavior. Consuming alcohol is no exception.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Moiz Amjad
December 9, 2001