The Meaning of Wine in Heaven According to Islam: Sharab and Qamr
An old recycled question often arises among non-Arabic speakers, who sometimes confuse the Arabic term sharaab with similar terms in their languages. According to Islamic teachings, sharaab in the context of Heaven refers to beverages rather than alcoholic drinks, which are strictly prohibited (haram) in Islam.
Distinguishing Between Sharab and Qamr
The Qur'an points out that in heaven, there will be many sharaab, or drinks, but it does not mention any alcohol. The term sharaab in Arabic means any kind of drink, whereas the term used for intoxicating drinks is qamr. In Arabic, alcoholic drinks are referred to as anything that induces intoxication.
Scriptural References and Interpretations
The Qur'an uses sharaab in various verses, indicating that drinks in the hereafter will be pure and uncontaminated. For example, Surat Sad 38:51 states, “And (there will be) drinks there delightful to those who drink [heavenly wine], sweet to taste, like Sana,” which does not imply alcoholic drinks but rather referring to the various refreshing beverages in heaven. Similarly, Surat al-Insan 76:5 mentions “And drink a [made] drink made pure,” highlighting the purity of these drinks.
Varieties of Drinks in Heaven
According to Islamic teachings, there are four rivers in Heaven: one of water, one of milk, one of honey, and one of wine. These beverages are described as not decaying, emphasizing their purity and the ability to quench thirst and satiate hunger without any negative effects. Some sources mention a drink called Rahiq Makhtum, which means sealed with musk, indicating its pure and uncontaminated nature.
Interpretations of Heavenly Drinks
There are three primary interpretations regarding the drinks in Heaven:
The first interpretation considers these drinks to be purely physical and refers to the pure and refreshing beverages consumed in Heaven. The Qur'an and Hadith describe these drinks as not corrupting the mind and facilitating spiritual purity. An example of this is Surat al-Saffat 37:45-47, which speaks of an exquisitely white drink that leaves no intoxicating effects.
The second interpretation views these drinks as spiritual blessings. These drinks are said to cleanse the spiritual being from forgetfulness of Allah and remove barriers between humanity and the divine. One Hadith narrated from Imam Ja‘far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq states, “When the believer drinks the pure drink, he forgets everything other than Allah and turns solely towards his Master.”
The third interpretation blends both physical and spiritual aspects, suggesting that the purity of these drinks transcends physical satisfaction, providing both physical and spiritual nourishment. The drink of muqarrabin, the closest to Allah, is described as the water of Tasnim, from which even Prophet Muhammad and his progeny drink, symbolizing ultimate closeness and purity.
In the end, the drinks in heaven are representations of the perfect and pure sustenance offered by Allah, catering to the unique experiences and spiritual journeys of each individual in paradise.