Alcohol as Food or Drug? A Comparative Review of Islamic and Medical Evidence

Authors

• M. Diaa El-Din H. Farag, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
• Ahmed A. Rawwash, Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Egypt.
• Emad Hussein Ahmed Fathy, Egyptian MOH, Governmental HIO Zayed OPD, Cairo, Egypt.
• Mohamed F.F Bayomy et.al., The Basic Science Dept, College of Oral and Dental Surgery, Misr Univ. For Science and Technology (MUST), Egypt.

Keywords

Alcohol, Islamic medicine, public health, comparative analysis, systematic review, substance abuse, religious perspectives and regulations, medical ethics

Document Type

Review Article

Abstract

Background: This study conducts a comparative analysis of alcohol classification, health effects, and social consequences within Islamic teachings and modern medical science. Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of Islamic teachings and modern medical approaches regarding alcohol classification, health effects, and social consequences. Methodology: Using a comparative review following PRISMA guidelines, 50 high-quality sources were selected from an initial 892 records for analysis. Results: The findings demonstrate a convergent classification: both paradigms definitively classify alcohol as a harmful substance rather than a food. Islamic law has prohibited alcohol for over 1400 years on the grounds of it impairs cognitive judgment and disrupts social harmony, a position now strongly supported by medical evidence. From an epidemiological perspective, major health bodies conclude that risk increases with any level of consumption, indicating that there is no truly "safe" level from a population health standpoint. Annually, alcohol contributes to approximately 2.6 million global deaths from conditions such as liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. Conclusion: Despite differing foundational perspectives, Islamic doctrine and modern medical science align in identifying the harms of alcohol and in advocating for reduced or eliminated consumption. This synergy highlights how religious wisdom and scientific evidence can jointly inform public health policy.

Publisher

Saudi Toxicology Society

Recommended Citation

Farag, M. Diaa El-Din H.; Rawwash, Ahmed A.; Fathy, Emad Hussein Ahmed; and Bayomy et.al., Mohamed F.F (2025) "Alcohol as Food or Drug? A Comparative Review of Islamic and Medical Evidence," Saudi Toxicology Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 3, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.1.3.2
Available at: https://stj.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2/iss3/2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.1.3.2