Is wine strictly forbidden in Islam?

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Religious Muslims around the world fast between sunrise and sunset during the annual month of Ramadan. During this period, not only eating and drinking, but also smoking and sexual intercourse are prohibited. The month of fasting in Islam has an important meaning and is considered one of the five supporting pillars along with daily prayer, confession to Allah, pilgrimage to Mecca and zakat.

Exceptions can be made for the elderly, passengers, pregnant women and children during the month of Ramadan. However, those affected are expected to make up for missed fasting days in the future. A person who cannot go to Ramadan due to illness wants to give food and alms to the poor.

Extensive interpretation of the Qur’an and its own wine production

The majority of all devout Muslims attend Ramadan every year and completely abstain from wine and alcohol, even outside of Ramadan. However, there is a minority that interprets the Qur’an more loosely when it comes to drinking: They think that the Qur’an forbids drunkenness, but forbids moderate drinking. And this interpretation makes it possible to have an occasional glass of wine or beer without having to break with the Muslim faith.

There are also Muslim-majority countries that produce a significant amount of wine, such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. What all three countries have in common is that most of their wine production is consumed domestically. However, the sale of wines, including to the local Muslim population, is strictly restricted only during Ramadan.

Another indication that not all Muslims have rigorously interpreted the Qur’an’s guidelines on drinking alcohol is the annual arrangement of wine racks in supermarkets in Islamic countries. If you want to buy a bottle of wine shortly before the start of the fasting month, you will usually find yourself in front of an empty shelf. Just because many shops don’t sell alcohol during Ramadan doesn’t mean everyone wants to be left out of the loop.

Source : Blick