Social Change

Social change

The prohibition of alcohol was one of the most controversial moments in American History. In 1920, the sale of alcohol was prohibited as it was seen as pernicious to American society. The authorities aimed to purge society of venom which was seen as harmful, to allow the individuals to prosper. However, the public failed to concur. They were determined to continue in their consumption which led to chaos as they were driven by their whims and desires.

The public demand for alcohol increased which led to illegal suppliers becoming profitable. Likewise, gangs saw it as an opportunity to invest in the illegal alcohol trade which resulted in an increase in violence. It caused so many problems that the congress realised that the ban wasn’t working. As a result, in 1933, the ban was removed and alcohol was abundantly supplied.

From this we learn that one of the supreme nations in the world, the mighty America failed to uphold the ban of alcohol. Despite its paramount military and millions of dollars, it failed to implement this ban, even though people realised that it is destructive for them. It highlights the flaw of the human, who is determined to chase that which he realises is detrimental to his health. He is willing to breach the law in order to accomplish his short term desire.

On the other hand, if we go back in time to Medina, 1300 years ago, alcohol was prohibited in the Quran. As soon as the Muslims realised that it was haram for them, all the wine was taken from every corner of the city and spilled onto the streets of Medina; it is said that the streets were flowing in wine. The Muslims submitted instantly to the command of Allah. They didn’t speculate or delay their response; rather they hastened to fulfil what Allah commanded of them.

If we compare the two events, how is it that in Medina, there was no chaos or dissent. Individuals submitted immediately to the prohibition, without an iota of resistance. There was no influence from congress, from the military. Rather, they heard and they obeyed. They didn’t rebel although they may like alcohol and savour its taste. Instead, they took the commands of Allah sincerely because they realise that they are only created to worship him. These are people who have a firm conviction of the hereafter. Their intellect repels them from indulging in deceitful worldly pleasures which will bring loss to them. Rather, they strive to be people of substance. They epitomised this as they held firm to the commands of Allah and revolutionised history. It is due to these people that we became Muslim, as they sacrificed their lives to preserve this Deen. We should ask ourselves: do we take the command of Allah seriously like they do? We call ourselves Muslims, but we are tremendously inferior compared to them. We still have time; let’s make an intention to imitate them and possess the qualities which they embodied.

*M.Rahman