Muslims abstain from consuming alcohol because it is explicitly prohibited in Islam. The prohibition of alcohol is based on religious teachings found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the Hadith, which are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The primary reasons for this prohibition are as follows:
Spiritual purity: Islam emphasizes spiritual purity and encourages believers to avoid anything that may lead to sinful behavior or impair their judgment. Alcohol is believed to cloud one's mind and may lead to immoral or unethical actions, which can distance a person from their faith.
Health and well-being: Islam encourages maintaining good physical and mental health. Excessive alcohol consumption is known to have adverse effects on health and can lead to addiction and various medical issues.
Social consequences: Alcohol abuse can have detrimental effects on individuals, families, and societies. Islam seeks to promote a strong and cohesive community, and the negative impacts of alcohol consumption on family life and society are considered undesirable.
The Quran addresses the issue of alcohol in multiple verses. One of the most explicit passages can be found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219):
"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.'" (Quran 2:219)
The Hadith also contains several statements from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warning against the consumption of intoxicants. One well-known Hadith narrated by Ibn Umar states, "Every intoxicant is Khamr (wine) and every intoxicant is forbidden."
It's important to note that Islamic practices and beliefs can vary among different Muslim communities, and there may be variations in how strictly the prohibition of alcohol is observed. However, abstaining from alcohol remains a fundamental tenet for the majority of Muslims as an expression of their faith and devotion to Islamic teachings.