Shahid Batalvi's question,

What exactly DOES Quran say about alcohol? asks Shahid Batalvi. This blog entry is worth reading if you have missed it earlier ~t

I am no scholar in Islamic history, Islamic law, Islamic jurisprudence and above all an expert in exegesis of holy scripture but can present you with facts and information that you can use to make your own determination on this subject.

The five Ayat (Ayas) of the Quran that most directly address the consumption of alcohol are as follows:

1. They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." (Al-Baqara; 2:219)

2. And from the fruit of the date palm and the vine, ye get out wholesome drink and food: behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise. (An-Nahl; 16:67)

3. O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say.... (An-Nisa; 4:43)

4. O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination, Of Satan's handiwork: Eschew such (abomination) that ye may prosper. (Al Maeda; 5:90)

5. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of God, and from prayer: Will ye not then refrain? (Al-Maeda; 5:91)