# How much of a cultural obstacle is it that Muslims don't drink Alcohol **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 23, 2016, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654 "2016-09-23T17:25:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/21 "2016-09-23T21:42:51Z")
I am basically puzzled by the OP. I don’t drink. It’s never remotely been a problem. I don’t see how anyone could see it as a problem. People interact with non-drinkers _all_ the time. And throw in the “Muslims” part. Why? What difference does the religion of the non-drinker make? ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/22 "2016-09-23T21:51:09Z")
People whose social life is built around alcohol – spending time in bars, going out for a beer, etc. tend to think that alcohol and social occasions are inextricably linked. I’ve seen people fret enormously about planning a wedding that might need to be alcohol-free for some reason, as if marriage vows require alcohol. I think it’s so ingrained in some people’s lives that it’s hard to imagine doing without it, and these people tend not to realize that as indicated above, about 30% of Americans don’t drink at all, and manage to mix into the culture just fine. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/23 "2016-09-23T22:05:44Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Nitpick: brandy. Cognac can only be made in the Cognac region of France, even if it is made elsewhere using the same grapes and in the same manner. > > Turkey has [breweries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efes_Beverage_Group)and Lebanon is known for its winemaking, granted many people in the latter a Christian but not all and many Muslims drink. There isn’t anything explicitly prohibiting alcohol, but different sects/belief systems may be more or less strict about it. And some might justify it like Catholics do: it’s fine just don’t go crazy. In Turkey, it’s a common sight to see old men sitting in chairs by their stoops drinking [raki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rak%C4%B1). Liquor is also manufactured, sold and consumed in Cairo. Many Saudis go to Cairo during Ramadan, as there are no official punishments for eating and drinking during that period. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/24 "2016-09-23T22:28:40Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > (bolding mine) > > This seems strange since citizens of Saudi Arabia specifically go to Bahrain in order to drink and partake in other enticements available in Bahrain. That’s why I said “as far as I know”, but you’re right, Bahrain is relatively open, for Saudis to sneak out and play. How much of that involves drinking (as opposed to other activities) I don’t know. Also, I was on a plane-load of Ethiopian women who go there in noisy gaggles to shop for less conservative high-end fashions. It’s a lovely sight to see them all parading into the airport in their finery. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/25 "2016-09-23T22:53:03Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I’ve been in five Islamic countries in the past month, and as far as I know, the public sale of alcoholic beverages is illegal in all of them (Brunei, Qatar, Bahrain, Djibouti, Somalia) I did not observe any indication that anyone was drinking alcohol, nor did I see any offered for sale or advertised. > [@jtur88](#): > > It’s a lovely sight to see them all parading into the airport in their finery. How’d you see all of that, since you claim to be blind? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/26 "2016-09-23T23:15:55Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > How’d you see all of that, since you claim to be blind? :dubious: I have limited vision, as do many people who are legally and functionally blind. Eyesight not yet completely gone. FYI, hold one hand over your left eye, and with your right, hold a toilet paper tube about 4 inches from your right eye and look through it. Try walking around in an unfamiliar place or a crowded street like that. That’s how I see the world. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/27 "2016-09-23T23:40:41Z")
> [@Duke\_of\_Rat](#): > > Why is alcohol illegal in Saudi Arabia? Why are women banned from driving in Saudi Arabia? “Illegal” is a strong word. I’ve personally poured alcoholic drinks for Saudi citizens and other Muslims in Saudi Arabia. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2016, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/28 "2016-09-23T23:42:11Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > That’s why I said “as far as I know”, but you’re right, Bahrain is relatively open, for Saudis to sneak out and play. How much of that involves drinking (as opposed to other activities) I don’t know. Also, I was on a plane-load of Ethiopian women who go there in noisy gaggles to shop for less conservative high-end fashions. It’s a lovely sight to see them all parading into the airport in their finery. Another great site is going to sleep on a Riyadh to DC flight after seeing all the women boarding in their coverings in Riyadh and then walking off the plane uncovered and dressed in their finery. And then going back, and waking up to them all covered again. ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2016, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/29 "2016-09-24T00:22:15Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I’ve been in five Islamic countries in the past month, and as far as I know, the public sale of alcoholic beverages is illegal in all of them (Brunei, Qatar, Bahrain, Djibouti, Somalia) I did not observe any indication that anyone was drinking alcohol, nor did I see any offered for sale or advertised. > > When I lived in Jordan, the sale of alcohol was permitted, and in fact, there is a distillery in Jordan that makes cognac, which is sold in grocery stores, and as far as I could tell, used only for cooking. There were a couple of entertainment establishments in the country even then (40 years ago) so I assume it is now more widespread. I never saw anybody that I suspected was under the influence, except in the disco where alcohol was served. > > Muslims take their religion fairly seriously, and obey its commandments in their daily personal lives. Which is a concept that visiting Christians need to acclimate themselves to. I know for a fact it is legal under certain circumstances in both Bahrain and Qatar. In Bahrain it has to be in a 4 star or better hotel… ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2016, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/30 "2016-09-24T14:44:01Z")
As Lora Brody put it in her _Entertainment Survival Guide_: For any number of reasons, a guest may refuse your offer of an alcoholic drink. The reason doesn’t have to be explained to anyone, including you. Anyone who serves only alcoholic drinks at a social function is an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Hector\_St\_Clare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@Hector\_St\_Clare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hector_St_Clare)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/31 "2016-09-24T23:20:04Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > From my experience. > (These are for people who avoid alcohol consumption obviously, MMV for others). > Yes it can be an issue. Especially when you are in a place where (like the UK) where so much socialising is done in pubs or bars. Even if you do go to a pub, there is only so much coke or orange juice you can drink before you are running around like a sugar-high toddler. > Also sometimes there is awkwardness as people you socialise with might find it difficult what exactly is the role alcohol shall play; some of them to avoid giving (in their view) offence might not serve alcohol; which IME tends to backfire since everyone there (it seems) subconsciously blames you for the “dry” dinner. Others ignore it completely; and serve openly which I frankly prefer. > > Nothing I have said should be construed as meaning that the obstacles are insurmountable or even major or more than an irritant. Just giving the sum of my (and my friend) experience. For what it’s worth, many Evangelical Christians don’t drink, or drink no more than a trivial amount, as well. Lots of Hindus also object to alcohol. And then there are some people who don’t drink b/c of a family history with alcohol or something like that. ---
**Author:** ![Hector\_St\_Clare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@Hector\_St\_Clare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hector_St_Clare)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/32 "2016-09-24T23:21:28Z")
> [@Duke\_of\_Rat](#): > > Why is alcohol illegal in Saudi Arabia? You do realize that it used to be illegal in the United States and many other countries too. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2016, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/33 "2016-09-24T23:34:51Z")
> [@Hector\_St\_Clare](#): > > You do realize that it used to be illegal in the United States and many other countries too. I don’t believe that _consumption_ of alcohol was ever illegal in the US, let alone warranted corporal punishment like it does elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Pinmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@Pinmin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pinmin)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/34 "2016-09-25T00:16:01Z")
> [@Hector\_St\_Clare](#): > > For what it’s worth, many Evangelical Christians don’t drink, or drink no more than a trivial amount, as well. Lots of Hindus also object to alcohol. And then there are some people who don’t drink b/c of a family history with alcohol or something like that. While religious, my reason for avoiding alcohol is 3 of my 4 grandparents were abusive alcoholics. It was the cause of death for both grandfathers (one killed in a drunken brawl, one destroyed his liver). It had an awful destructive affect throughout my family tree, so it carries way too much baggage. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/35 "2016-09-25T00:53:09Z")
In the 70’s my dad was in the military and had a beer poured over his head by his sgt for refusing to drink it. I’d like to think that wouldn’t happen today, but I could see it being a problem in more macho situations like that or a fraternity or what not. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/36 "2016-09-25T01:22:27Z")
I am not an expert but I am fairly certain that alcohol is not prohibited by the Quran. There are warnings against praying under the influence of intoxicants, but no outright prohibition. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/37 "2016-09-25T01:41:37Z")
> [@Hector\_St\_Clare](#): > > You do realize that it used to be illegal in the United States and many other countries too. > [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > I don’t believe that _consumption_ of alcohol was ever illegal in the US, let alone warranted corporal punishment like it does elsewhere. Yep. Prohibition was more about selling alcohol, not consuming it. You could make wine or cider at home and drink it yourself, but you couldn’t sell it. And if you hoarded enough before the law took effect, it was perfectly legal to drink it. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7bcc69/32.png) [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/38 "2016-09-25T02:29:22Z")
Alcohol sale is still heavily controlled in many places. In some countries it is only available from government stores (Sweden comes to mind). It is heavily taxed in lots of countries, others have curfews, or dry days. I wonder if those harken back to the old religious rules. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/39 "2016-09-25T06:23:23Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > No more so than any Christian denomination that prohibits it. Or anybody who just doesn’t drink it. I don’t drink alcohol because my body doesn’t like it, religion has nothing to do with it. It’s an obstacle to social life only if there is some drunk asshole who insists that he can’t have fun if I don’t drink (usually they’ll do this while draping themselves over me). ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2016, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654/40 "2016-09-25T17:19:59Z")
I drink rarely (maybe once or twice a month) largely because it is fattening and doesn’t do a thing for me except make me sleepy. I like the taste of beer and my wife and I sometimes split a bottle with dinner. This has never been any kind of obstacle for me. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-cultural-obstacle-is-it-that-muslims-dont-drink-alcohol/766654.md?page=3)