It is true to say that Khamar is the mother of all evils. Almost every day we are inundated with news of criminal cases, including murders, where most perpetrators are indicated to have used alcohol and illegal drugs. The tragedy that occurred in Binong Village, Curug District, Tangerang, is an example of how Khamar can destroy the human soul and turn a child into the murderer of his stepmother.

According to examination results, the police stated that the perpetrator tested positive for drug use, with urine test results containing methamphetamine, amphetamine, and benzodiazepam.

Capitalism: A Fertile Ground for Crime

The prevalence of various criminal cases and diverse new modus operandi is a logical consequence of the current capitalist system.

This system, built on the foundations of materialism and individualism, makes society more prone to committing crimes, especially as it has also distanced religious values from life.

Under capitalism, the measure of actions is no longer halal or haram. Right and wrong are no longer based on Islamic law. Instead, everything can be arranged depending on who has an interest. Therefore, it is no surprise that various criminal cases are difficult to eradicate completely.

The Prohibition of Khamar

The prohibition of Khamar is clear. In the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 219, Allah says:

They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and some benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’

Khamar includes all types of intoxicating drinks. Not only those made from grapes, but also those made from other sources. As for drugs, because they have the same properties—namely, they can impair the mind and cause harm to the body—their ruling is equated with Khamar.

Therefore, what is prohibited to consume is also prohibited to sell or buy.

Additionally, there is a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad that prohibits drinking Khamar:

From Abu Darda’, he said that the Prophet Muhammad advised, ‘Do not drink Khamar, for it is the key to all evil.’ (Narrated by Ibn Majah).

The Dilemma of Drug Eradication

Drug use cases are not new. This has been ongoing since the Dutch colonial era and has continued to develop until today.

Although there are laws prohibiting drug use, its circulation continues to expand and targets all groups. This shows that law enforcement alone is not enough to address this problem.

Ironically and sadly, many law enforcement officers who should be at the forefront of eradicating drugs are themselves entangled in the drug web. This shows that abuse of power can occur anywhere, even in the most trusted institutions.

Besides economic factors, weak law enforcement and difficulty in finding employment cause drug trafficking to remain a shortcut to instant satisfaction and wealth.

Islam’s Strategy to Overcome Drugs

Unlike other systems, Islam offers a comprehensive solution to address the drug problem:

Preventive measures. This can be done through religious education, both at home and at school. Instilling faith from an early age is crucial to building a strong foundation for an individual’s mindset and attitude. This step will shape a person’s character so that they have high piety towards Allah. Additionally, providing ample employment opportunities can prevent society from seeking income through forbidden means.

Curative measures. Islam is a religion full of compassion. When its followers fall into sin, the door of repentance is wide open for anyone who wishes to repent. Those affected by drugs will undergo therapy through sincere repentance, then be guided to perform acts of worship.

Strict sanctions. The widespread circulation of drugs is inseparable from weak law enforcement. Islam firmly takes action against every sinful act, no matter how small and whoever the perpetrator is.

Sanctions in Islam

The punishment for drinking Khamar falls under hudud, the types and amounts of which have been established. The perpetrator is to be flogged 40 times. This is as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad, as narrated by Anas:

From Anas, he said that the Prophet Muhammad lashed the case of drinking Khamar with palm branches and sandals 40 times. (Narrated by Bukhari, Muslim, Tirm

Khamar

Khamar is a historical site in Mongolia, best known as the location of a Buddhist monastery founded in the 19th century by the prominent religious figure Danzanravjaa. The monastery became a major center for the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and was renowned for its extensive library and cultural activities. Although largely destroyed during the communist purges of the 1930s, the site has been partially restored and remains an important pilgrimage destination.

Quran

The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE. It serves as the primary source of Islamic theology, law, and guidance for personal conduct, and is written in classical Arabic. The text was compiled into a single book shortly after Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, and its verses are organized into 114 chapters (surahs) of varying lengths.

Surah Al-Baqarah

Surah Al-Baqarah is the second and longest chapter of the Quran, consisting of 286 verses. Revealed in Medina over a period of time, it addresses a wide range of topics including faith, law, and guidance for personal and communal life, and contains the famous “Throne Verse” (Ayat al-Kursi). It also recounts the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their covenant with God, emphasizing themes of obedience and divine mercy.

Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632 CE) is the founding prophet of Islam, revered by Muslims as the final messenger of God. Born in Mecca, he received the first revelations of the Quran around 610 CE, which he preached despite persecution, eventually migrating to Medina in 622 CE (the Hijra) where he established the first Muslim community. His life and teachings form the core of Islamic faith and practice, and he is honored as a model of moral and spiritual conduct.

Hadith

Hadith refers to the collected sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, which serve as a primary source of Islamic law and guidance alongside the Quran. Compiled by scholars like Bukhari and Muslim in the 9th century, these traditions were rigorously authenticated through chains of transmission to ensure their reliability. The study of Hadith has been foundational in shaping Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and daily practice for over a millennium.

Dutch colonial era

The Dutch colonial era refers to the period from the 17th to the 20th century when the Netherlands established overseas colonies and trading posts across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Key holdings included the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia), Suriname, and the Cape Colony in South Africa, driven by the lucrative spice trade and the activities of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). This era left a lasting cultural and architectural legacy, particularly in Indonesia, where Dutch influence is still visible in colonial buildings and urban planning.

Islam

Islam is a major world religion founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Its followers, known as Muslims, believe in one God (Allah) and consider the Quran their holy book. Today, Islam has over a billion adherents worldwide and has significantly influenced global culture, science, and politics throughout history.

Allah

Allah is the Arabic word for God, central to Islam as the sole deity worshipped by Muslims. The concept of Allah has deep roots in pre-Islamic Arabia, but was redefined and emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE as the compassionate and merciful creator of the universe. Today, Allah is revered not only in Islam but also by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews, reflecting a shared monotheistic heritage.