Intoxicants and Recreation in Islamic Law: Difference between revisions

In modern times, these laws still stand. There are out-right bans or severe restrictions put on the sale, purchase, and drinking of alcohol by adults in many Islamic majority countries, including: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia,<ref>[http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/20/malaysian-model-seeks-public-flogging-drinking.html Malaysian model seeks public flogging for drinking] - The Associated Press, August 20, 2009</ref> the Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Prohibition&oldid=332586583 Prohibition]</ref> Punishments vary according to country, but many are consistent with the [[Sunnah]] of Muhammad. They range from weeks to months of imprisonment, public flogging, and (in the case of Iran) the death penalty.  

Despite these harsh laws and the negative views held by Muslims against alcohol, statistics provided by research group Euromonitor International reported in 2011 that alcohol use in predominantly Muslim regions of the world increased by 25 percent in 5 years.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.ansamed.info/en/news/ME.XEF93985.html|2=2011-02-25}} Islam: Survey, Alcohol Use In Mideast-Africa +25% In 5 Years] - ANSAmed, February 23, 2011</ref> Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported in the same year that Malaysia, a country with a Muslim majority, is the world's tenth largest consumer of alcohol.<ref>Tanya Thomas - [http://www.medindia.net/news/Despite-Its-Muslim-Majority-WHO-Names-Malaysia-as-Worlds-10th-Largest-Alcohol-Consumer-85415-1.htm Despite Its Muslim Majority, WHO Names Malaysia as World's 10th Largest Alcohol Consumer] - Medindia Health Network, May 24, 2011</ref>