The Quran as Divine and Why Are Strong Drinks Prohibited?

[Reader Questions]

Salaam Brother,

I received the following questions from a friend. Please can you kindly assist.

1) How do we know that the Quran is divinely inspired?

2) Why is wine now forbidden when Jesus PBUH is known to have drunk it?

Thanks

[Joseph Islam]

Wa alaikum assalam

Please see my responses to your questions in bold red.

1) How do we know that the Quran is divinely inspired?

Please see the following link:

How Do you Know that the Quran is the Word of God?
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=1108


2) Why is wine now forbidden when Jesus PBUH is known to have drunk it?

Irrespective of the whether or not the Bible explicitly mentions that Prophet Jesus consumed strong wine (intoxicants) or whether or not the Bible discourages / forbids strong drinks (both have their arguments from the Bible including variant interpretations over grape juice / wine / strong drink,  the incident during the 'Wedding at Cana' and other verses condemning, abstaining from strong drink), the Quran actually claims, that it is within God's remit to prescribe different laws (2:106) that govern 'Shariah' in His wisdom for different communities:

005.048 (part)
"...To each among you have We prescribed a law (Arabic: Shir-atan) and an open way (Arabic: waminhajan). If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute”

002.106
"Any verse / message (Arabic: ayatin) which, We cancel / abrogate or consign to oblivion We replace with a better or a similar one. Do you not know that God has the power to will anything?"
 
If the above verse is read within the context of the previous verses, it becomes clear that a dialogue with the Jews and Christians is in progress. Furthermore, it becomes apparent that the 'message' (Arabic: Ayatin) referred to above, is only a reference to the dispensation of certain directives of previous scriptures, which also belong to God and do not refer specifically to the Quran. [1]

For example, the strict adherence of the Sabbath was not enjoined on the believers which was enjoined on the Jews (4:154). However instead, the congregation on Friday is given considerable importance for believers to observe (62:9-10).

At times, food laws are relaxed by the Quran. For example, in verse 6:146, one notes that extra prohibitions were prescribed for the Jews but did not apply to the believers (16.118; 5:1-4). [2]

On the other hand, the law regarding abstinence from swine flesh was still maintained (5:3) no different from the Jews.

It is noteworthy that here the Christian belief would appear an anomaly that in the main, finds no prohibition against consuming swine flesh, when it is clear that as a matter of law, neither did the Jews, nor did Prophet Jesus (who was also a Jew upholding the Torah laws), Prophet Muhammad or his followers consume swine flesh as a permissible food item.

Therefore, there are no theological problems (from a Quran's perspective at least), if certain consumption laws are tightened in God's wisdom for His servants, even if one were to apply this to intoxicants and strong drink. ('Assuming' no such prohibition ever existed in the Bible)

However, please kindly note that abstaining from liquor is not a new concept which only finds provenance in the Quran. It also finds support in the Bible in various forms. For example, another prophet, John the Baptist, never consumed strong drink as a matter of law.

“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.” (Luke 1:15) (KJV - emphasis mine)
 
Therefore, there would be no theological anomaly if the Quran (in God's wisdom) were to prohibit strong drinks for the believing community going forward, irrespective of whether or not this was supported by the Bible, or whether or not Prophet Jesus allegedly consumed strong drink or not. As noted above, it is clear from the Bible itself at least, that certain prophets (The Quran makes no distinctions between God's agents 2:136; 2:285; 3:84 [3]) were certainly expected to abstain from strong drink as law (Luke 1:15).

I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph


REFERENCES:

[1] ABROGATION - A FALSE DOCTRINE
http://quransmessage.com/articles/abrogation%20FM3.htm
[2] FOOD PERMISSIBILITY AND PROHIBITIONS
http://quransmessage.com/articles/food%20restrictions%20FM3.htm
[3] DO NOT MAKE ANY DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THE MESSENGERS OF GOD
http://quransmessage.com/articles/do%20not%20make%20distinctions%20between%20messengers%20FM3.htm