In a nuanced understanding of Islamic rulings on alcohol, Mufti Abdul Qawi made a controversial argument regarding its permissibility under certain conditions.
He posited that alcohol in itself is not haram (forbidden) according to Islamic law; rather, it is the state of intoxication that Islam prohibits. He emphasized that the prohibition comes into effect specifically when the consumption of alcohol impairs one’s mental faculties.
Mufti Abdul Qawi further argued that if alcohol is diluted with water approximately four or five times the amount of the alcohol, it loses its intoxicating properties and, thus, does not fall under the category of being haram.
The perspective highlights a lesser-known view that focuses on the effects of alcohol rather than its consumption per se. By presenting this argument, Mufti Abdul Qawi aimed to initiate a broader discussion on the interpretation of Islamic texts and the conditions under which certain prohibitions are applied.
The majority of Islamic scholars hold that any substance that can cause intoxication is forbidden, even in small amounts. This is based on several hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad – PBUH) that instruct avoidance of substances that can lead to intoxication.
