NbA Muslims
As the number of people converting/reverting to Islam grows globally, the ways that new Muslims address specific issues become increasingly relevant. In the United States, alcohol consumption has a significant place in social interactions. According to a 2013 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 83% of people in the US 18 years or older reported that they drank alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Some Muslim converts must contend with removing alcohol from their dietary consumption.
In “I’m a Convert And Giving Up Alcohol Was a Struggle“, an article posted in MVSLIM, convert Simone Donvang writes about her journey to Islam and her endeavor to refrain from drinking alcohol.
Alcohol was one of the largest challenges to give up as a part of becoming Islamic. I will explain for you why this is more difficult than first expected.
Most cultures around the world have developed a lot of social events around alcoholic beverages, and we are taught in a very early age, that this is the way to celebrate. If you have achieved something in your life you celebrate with alcohol. If you are happy, if it is your birthday or any other positive occasion, you celebrate it with alcohol. If you are looking to have fun together with your friends, you drink and go out with them. But the hardest part was not the social nor the celebrations. It was the emotional part.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In