Can Ismailis consume alcohol or use any form of intoxicant?
A common question.
Let’s turn to the guidance of the Imam of our time and our Pirs as we delve into seeking the blessing of this topic.
We will examine this matter in light of the Quran and the guidance of our Beloved Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini (A.S).
Gradual Prohibition of Alcohol in the Quran
Initial Guidance:
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219), it is said that there is some benefit in alcohol, but its sin is greater than its benefit.
This verse highlights the harms of alcohol and prepares the way for a stricter prohibition.
Restrictions on Prayer:
In Surah An-Nisa (4:43), believers are instructed not to approach prayer while intoxicated so that they are fully aware during worship.
This was an important step toward curbing alcohol consumption as it directly affected religious practice.
Complete Prohibition:
In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91), alcohol is explicitly declared "impure," and believers are advised to avoid it completely.
These verses warn that such substances create enmity and distance one from the remembrance of Allah, making abstinence from alcohol necessary.
Now, one might ask, how is alcohol impure? And if I drink a little as a social drinker, whether at an office party or elsewhere, and I harm no one, and I follow the customs and laws of the country I live in, how is it considered sinful? This is a valid question that anyone might have.
Let’s examine this in light of the guidance of the Imam of the time.
Our belief is that the thing which separates man from the animals is his power of thought. Anything that impedes this process is wrong. Therefore, alcohol is forbidden.
— Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam (A.S)
The Sunday Times, 12 December 1965
Power of Thought: Yes, humankind can think. From this ability, humans have reached space and the world of AI in the material realm. Just as in the material world, progress can be made through thought; the same applies spiritually. We have already seen this in the life of the great Ismaili Dai and scholar Nasir Khusraw.
Ismaili Hakim, Dai and PIR Nasir Khusraw used to drink wine, but after a dream in which he was told that putting one's mind to sleep to escape worldly sorrow is not wisdom, he realised that true wisdom lies in seeking answers and allowing the soul to soar.
He gave up alcohol and began his spiritual journey, ultimately leading him to the Imam of the time, Imam Mustansirbillah (A.S), and his great teacher, Dai al-Mu'ayyad (R.A).
Just as a mobile phone needs Wi-Fi or cellular service, a human needs proper thoughts to stay spiritually alive.
There are many more farmans from the Imam on this topic, which you can read in detail here:
[https://ask.ismailignosis.com/article/26-is-drinking-allowed-in-ismailism]
Let’s reflect on another guidance from the Imam:
Progress does not mean occidentalisation. Progress in the Ummah means moving forward in quality of life, but not giving up your identity, not giving up your value systems. Indeed, our value systems are massively important for the future.
— Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam (A.S)
Syrian TV, 29 August 2008
Finally, let’s look into the guidance of our beloved 48th Imam, Sultan Muhammad Shah (A.S):
The greatest danger to every Muslim citizen – I have not the least hesitation in saying it – is alcohol. Time has shown that it is an injury to you, an injury to your person, an injury to your health. It is forbidden because it carries greater evil than good. Believe me, in a community like yours, alcohol is a very grave danger. Once you get into the alcohol habit, I do not know where it will lead you. A handful, here and there, of the weak or of the unhappy find their way to this terrible poison. Avoid it at all costs. Avoid it, I say, for in this country you cannot afford to lose even one man.
— Hazar Imam Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (A.S)
Guidelines for the Muslims of Transvaal, 1954, Johannesburg, South Africa
After reflecting on the Quran and the farmans of the Imam, there remains no debate. Any form of intoxication is strictly prohibited for Ismailis. Still, the Imam leaves it up to us to decide whether we seek momentary relief or the everlasting peace of the soul and intellect, which can only be attained through the love of the Imam and the knowledge of his recognition (Maarifat).
It is for us to ponder and ultimately make the decision.
Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.
— Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11)
Ya Ali Madad