Noah's Ark: An Invitation to Faith — Page 113
NOAH'S ARK prescribed by Him. Most of you are devoted to the possessions and territories of this world, and spend your entire lives occupied to this end and give not thought to your death. All those wealthy persons who do not observe their prayers and are unmindful of God carry the sins of all their servants and attendants around their necks. All those wealthy persons who consume alcohol also carry the sins of the people who intoxicate themselves under their influence. You who claim to possess understanding! Know that this world is not eternal, so take hold of yourselves. Eschew all immoderation and abstain from every type of intoxicant. It is not alcohol alone that ruins a person. Opium, ganja, charas, bhang, tarhi, and all other addictions are similarly destructive. They ruin the mind and destroy lives. So, shun all such substances. I cannot understand why one would choose to indulge in these intoxicants when, year on year, they claim the lives of thousands of addicts³ not to mention the torment of the hereafter. 2 Opium, ganja, charas and bhang are derived from Indian hemp; tarhi is an intoxicating drink derived from coco, a nut water or any palm juice. [Publisher] 3 The degree to which alcohol has harmed the people of Europe is because Jesus, peace be upon him, himself used to drink—perhaps on account of a malady or out of previous habit. But O ye Muslims! Your Prophet, peace be upon him, was pure and free from every kind of intoxicant. Indeed, he was truly free from all sin. So as Muslims who do you follow? Unlike the Gospel the Quran does not permit alcohol. On the basis of which scripture do you then deem alcohol to be lawful? Why are you so heedless of death? (Author) 113