Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله
If a person is genuinely forced to drink alcohol, there is no sin upon him, provided that:
Allah ﷻ states:
﴿مَن كَفَرَ بِاللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ إِيمَانِهِ إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَقَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنٌّ بِالْإِيمَانِ﴾
[An-Naḥl: 106]
"Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief—except for one who is forced while his heart is secure in faith..."
If a Muslim is excused for uttering words of disbelief under coercion, then by greater reason, he is excused when compelled to drink alcohol.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
❝Allah has pardoned my Ummah for mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are compelled to do.❞
[Sunan Ibn Mājah, Ḥadīth no. 2043]
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 17627]
❖ Ruling on Being Forced to Consume Alcohol
If a person is genuinely forced to drink alcohol, there is no sin upon him, provided that:
- He is truthful in his claim of being compelled,
- And his heart remains firm upon faith and detests the act internally.
Evidence from the Qur’an
Allah ﷻ states:
﴿مَن كَفَرَ بِاللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ إِيمَانِهِ إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَقَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنٌّ بِالْإِيمَانِ﴾
[An-Naḥl: 106]
"Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief—except for one who is forced while his heart is secure in faith..."
If a Muslim is excused for uttering words of disbelief under coercion, then by greater reason, he is excused when compelled to drink alcohol.
🕊 Prophetic Clarification
The Prophet ﷺ said:
❝Allah has pardoned my Ummah for mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are compelled to do.❞
[Sunan Ibn Mājah, Ḥadīth no. 2043]
✔ Summary
- No sin is recorded upon a person who consumes alcohol under coercion.
- This exemption is conditional upon:
- Genuine compulsion,
- Inner detestation of the act,
- Firm belief remaining in the heart.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 17627]
