Rules of liquor during the era

of Musa, Isa and

Mohammed

Musa, Isa, and Mohammed are historical and religious figures associated with
different time periods and regions. Musa (Moses) is a significant prophet in Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam, and he is generally placed around the 13th century BCE.

Isa (Jesus) is the central figure in Christianity and is believed to have lived around
the 1st century CE. Mohammed (Muhammad) is the prophet of Islam and lived in the
6th and 7th centuries CE.

As for liquor rules, each of these figures and the religions associated with them has
different perspectives on the consumption of alcohol - which I would be discussing
below.
The era of Musa

The era of Musa (Moses) is primarily associated with the period of ancient Israelites,
which is roughly dated to the 13th century BCE. The rules related to liquor during
Musa's time are outlined in the Torah, specifically in books such as Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It's important to note that the Torah
encompasses various laws, including those related to dietary practices, but it doesn't
explicitly provide comprehensive rules about liquor. Here are some relevant aspects
to consider:

1. Wine in Religious Rituals:

Wine is mentioned in the context of religious ceremonies and rituals. For example, it
was used in offerings and sacrifices. In the Book of Exodus, wine is included in the
ingredients for the drink offering (Exodus 29:40).

2. No Explicit Prohibition:
Unlike later religious texts, such as the Quran in Islam, the Torah doesn't explicitly
prohibit the consumption of alcohol. There are guidelines and regulations regarding
various aspects of life, but a specific prohibition against alcohol is not explicitly
mentioned.

3. Concerns about Drunkenness:

While there may not be a direct prohibition, there are passages in the Torah that
address concerns about drunkenness and its consequences. For instance, in the
Book of Leviticus, priests are instructed not to drink wine or strong drink when
entering the tabernacle (Leviticus 10:9).

4. Drunkenness and Social Conduct:

The Torah contains teachings about maintaining social order and ethical conduct.
Instances of excessive drinking leading to inappropriate behavior or disrespect are
likely to be discouraged in line with these broader principles.

5. Individual Responsibility:
The emphasis in the Torah is often on individual responsibility and adherence to the
commandments. While there may not be explicit rules on liquor consumption,
individuals are expected to live in accordance with the broader ethical and moral
principles outlined in the Torah.
The era of Isa

The era of Isa (Jesus), who is central to Christianity, is generally associated with the
1st century CE. The rules and teachings related to liquor during this time are
primarily found in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels
(Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which record the life and teachings of Jesus.

1. Positive View of Wine:

The New Testament portrays Jesus in a context where wine is a part of daily life.
Notably, Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding in Cana by turning water into
wine (John 2:1-11). This suggests a positive view of wine and its role in social and
celebratory contexts.

2. The Last Supper:

The Last Supper, a significant event in Christianity, is described in the Gospels.
During this communal meal, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples,
symbolizing his body and blood. This ritual became the basis for the Christian
sacrament of Communion or the Eucharist.

3. Moderation and Warnings:

While the New Testament doesn't explicitly prohibit the consumption of alcohol, it
contains teachings emphasizing moderation and self-control. In the Book of
Ephesians, for example, believers are encouraged not to get drunk on wine but to be
filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

4. Concerns about Drunkenness:

The teachings of Jesus and the apostles express concerns about the negative
consequences of excessive drinking and drunkenness. In the Gospel of Luke, for
instance, Jesus warns against being weighed down with carousing and drunkenness
(Luke 21:34).

5. Responsibility and Social Conduct:

Similar to the Torah's emphasis on individual responsibility, Christian teachings
highlight the importance of responsible and ethical conduct. Christians are urged to
love their neighbors and avoid behavior that may lead to harm or discord within the
community.

6. Cultural Context:
Understanding the cultural context of 1st-century Judea is crucial. Wine was a
common beverage, often diluted with water, and its consumption was integral to
social and religious occasions.
The era of Muhammad

During the era of Muhammad, who lived in the 6th and 7th centuries CE and is
considered the final prophet in Islam, specific rules and guidelines regarding the
consumption of liquor are outlined in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the
Hadiths, which are the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. The rules
regarding liquor in Islam are distinct and explicit.

1. Quranic Prohibitions:
The Quran expressly prohibits the consumption of intoxicants, including alcoholic
beverages. One of the key verses addressing this is found in Surah Al-Baqarah
(2:219), where believers are advised about the harms and benefits of intoxicants,
with the final guidance being to avoid them.

“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin and [yet, some]
benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.” (Quran, 2:219)

2. Hadiths and Sayings of Prophet Muhammad:

The Hadiths provide additional guidance on the avoidance of intoxicants. Prophet
Muhammad is reported to have said that whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a
small quantity of it is also prohibited.

"Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also prohibited."

(Sunan Ibn Majah)

3. Consequences of Consuming Intoxicants:

The harmful effects of alcohol are highlighted in various Hadiths, where Prophet
Muhammad describes the negative impact on individuals and society. This includes
impairing judgment, leading to inappropriate behavior, and causing disputes.

"Every intoxicant is khamr (wine), and every intoxicant is haram (prohibited)." (Sahih
Muslim)

4. Legal Punishments:
In Islamic jurisprudence, the consumption of intoxicants is considered a punishable
offense. The severity of the punishment can vary among different Islamic legal
traditions, but it generally reflects the serious view Islam takes on the matter.

"If someone drinks wine, whip him; if he repeats it, whip him; if he repeats it, whip
him." (Abu Dawood)
5. Abstinence during Prayer:
Muslims are required to perform daily prayers, and it is obligatory to be in a state of
cleanliness and mental alertness during prayers. Consuming intoxicants is not only
discouraged in general but is especially emphasized as incompatible with the state
of ritual purity required for prayers.

"If a person is drunk, Allah will not accept his prayer until he becomes sober." (Abu
Dawood)

Conclusion

It is worthy to note that the cultural and religious context of ancient Israelites, as
reflected in the Torah, is distinct from later religious traditions such as those found in
Christianity and Islam. But while there may not be a direct prohibition on liquor
consumption, there are passages in the Torah that address concerns about
drunkenness and its consequences.

The New Testament on the other hand portrays Jesus as having a positive
association with wine, especially in religious rituals. However, Christian teachings
emphasize moderation and warn against the negative consequences of excessive
drinking. The focus is on responsible conduct, reflecting the broader ethical and
moral principles of the Christian faith.

The Quran and Hadiths explicitly prohibit the consumption of intoxicants, citing the
harms they cause to individuals and society. The emphasis is on abstinence, and the
legal system in Islam reflects the seriousness with which this prohibition is regarded.

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