Mufti Abdul Qavi’s Controversial Statement on Alcohol Stirs Debate: Claims 3 to 4 Pegs of Alcohol Can Be Halal

Renowned Pakistani religious scholar Mufti Abdul Qavi has sparked a heated debate on social media with his recent statement about alcohol consumption. In a video that has gone viral, Mufti Qavi controversially claimed that consuming a few pegs of alcohol is permissible, as long as it does not negatively affect the mind. He argued that alcohol is not inherently forbidden (haram) unless it impairs one’s judgment.

Mufti Qavi made the statement while discussing the permissibility of substances like tobacco and alcohol. “In the subcontinent, chewing betel leaves with tobacco is considered halal for 20 million Muslims, but you and I can’t even consume it for five minutes,” he said. “Similarly, snuff (naswar) is halal for Pashtuns, so why should 3 or 4 pegs of alcohol be haram for us? The reality is, it’s the intoxicating element (khamar) that is forbidden.”

Further explaining his stance, he said, “The Quran does not say that alcohol itself is haram, rather it stresses that one’s mind and speech should be in the right state. In fact, alcohol and wine are two separate things. Today, wine doesn’t even exist anywhere in the world.” He also drew comparisons to the use of alcohol-based sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that people were using alcohol to disinfect their hands and that 90% of homeopathic medicines contain alcohol.

Mufti Qavi’s remarks have ignited a flurry of responses online, with many social media users expressing outrage. One Twitter user commented, “This is how people have twisted the teachings of the Quran to suit their personal agendas.” Another user, Inayat Ullah, pointed out that the Quran contains multiple verses advising against alcohol, emphasizing its harmful effects and warning Muslims to avoid it.

Critics have also questioned Mufti Qavi’s credibility, with some accusing him of promoting a dangerous message. One user sarcastically commented, “He must be intoxicated himself to say such things.” Others have raised concerns about the difference between alcohol (alcoholic beverages) and the use of alcohol for medicinal or sanitizing purposes, as Mufti Qavi seemed to conflate the two.

The debate over Mufti Qavi’s statement continues to gain traction, with many questioning whether religious scholars should be more careful when interpreting religious texts in light of modern issues.