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?
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.
In Turkey, it’s a common sight to see old men sitting in chairs by their stoops drinking raki.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.