Drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam, hence those that even remotely call themselves Muslim should not use it. Period. *NO EXCUSES* We are getting so weak in our faith surrounded by challenges and opportunities for indiscretions of all kinds in this culture that it is very difficult to stay clear of things like alcohol. However, this itself is a test from God to see how strong we are. Resist the temptation! If you resist it, God will give you the courage and strength to resist other numerous temptations of the mind and body.



A much younger male friend and I met for dinner last night and we were having a discussion about this topic. He and I are similar as we are moderately religious. Like me, he does not drink either so we were discussing how meeting The One is so difficult in this culture. I told him that my problem is that 90% of the guys I meet drink at least socially and he stated that it's the same case with the girls he meets...they think nothing of meeting up for drinks and going clubbing.



A few things...



Drinking has a much greater potential to lead to other indiscretions (like casual/pre-marital sex, cheating, etc.) which have far greater negative consequences. It's so interesting because I get introduced to guys who are cream of the crop most of whom are in the NY/NJ area and I become interested to get to know some of them further BUT the second I hear that the person is a drinker (of any kind...social drinker, heavy drinker, etc.) it's a ****HUGE**** turn off for me because...forget the issue of alcohol intake itself...it signifies a lot more to me such as that the person is weak, one who capitulates easily, has no backbone, and hence totally *NOT* for me where as I, having been born in this society, am a strong Muslim woman and as much American as Pakistani, and know where to draw the line between right and wrong, good and bad. This is how I was raised and these are the types of people I always surrounded myself with and continue to surround myself with in life...those who are neither fanatically religious nor "under religious." I associate with those like myself who are in-between and have a strong sense of understanding behind why God requires us to adhere to certain "rules." Also, the way I see it, if God gave me this one life (which is a gift in and of itself) the least I can do is try to please Him as much as I can insh'allah. I am not a namazi (although I hope to be) and I do sometimes read the holy Koran but I am making a clear effort and hope that I have alot more understanding of Islam in the coming years than I do now.



People give many reasons about why it's alright to have alcohol. I laugh because, at the end of the day, these are only lame excuses to justify something that is unjustifiable. Period. Personally, I don't have any respect for people who conform by forgetting their faith and what our faith asks us to do (which isn't a lot to begin with). People may not agree 110% with the word of God but I assure you, God has a reason behind *everything* including forbidding alcohol intake.



May God give folks the courage and willpower to turn away from such things. One can be just as terrific (or more!) if one adheres to being strong rather than a weak individual who conforms to society in order to please others consciously or subconsciously by not following cetain guidelines. No one is perfect...I certainly am not either and have made my share of mistakes in life...BUT I do practice what I preach. We are all to try to always pick ourselves up and get back on the right path if/when we fall AND teach others the same whether they are Muslim or of other faiths. Trust me, not only will you feel 500% more confident about yourself but God will double the amount of courage He has given you in life.

(A)