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Background reading material by Professor Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. for Year 2 Semester 1 PPSD session of 31st October 2007
1.0 SOURCES and TYPES OF DRINKS
The sources of water are rainwater, salty water from oceans and seas, and fresh water from lakes, rivers, and wells. Water serves the purposes of quenching thirst, cooling the body, and cleaning our bodies and many things in the environment. Water is needed for metabolism. It also gives esthetic pleasure. Milk is a specific food for newborns and infants but is also taken by adults. Honey is a drink with nutritional and medicinal benefits. Other forms of drinks are made from water.
2.0 HALAAL AND HARAAM DRINKS
The basis for halal and haram drinks is the same as has been described for food. All drinks are permitted unless specifically prohibited.
Some drinks are not specifically prohibited but are discouraged because of uncertainties about their nature. Drinks that contain sugar and could contain small amounts of alcohol due to fermentation are discouraged. Also discouraged are non-alcoholic drinks like tea of coffee if they become an addiction.
Intoxicants are forbidden. Every intoxicant is prohibited even if taken in small amounts. Intoxicants are the key to sins. Many crimes arise from taking intoxicants. Severe warning is given to those who deceptively give intoxicants another name to make them permitted. An intoxicant is not a cure of disease but is a cause of disease.
Non-alcoholic drinks can be prohibited on the basis of harm to good health.
3.0 ETIQUETTE OF DRINKING
Drinking is encouraged especially in hot weather where there is high perspiration. Wastage is prohibited. It is offensive to drink in one gulp. Drinking like a dog is prohibited. Drinking with the left hand is offensive. Drinking from gold or silver vessels is forbidden. Taking a breath during drinking is needed. Drinking while standing up was prohibited and was allowed in another instance. The mouth is rinsed after drinking milk.
4.0 HYGIENIC MEASURES IN DRINKING
It is forbidden to breathe into the vessel. It is also prohibited to breathe or blow into the drink itself. Drinking from the mouth of the vessel is forbidden.
5.0 RULINGS ON DRINKS
Ethanol is used as a solvent in medicinal preparation and is permitted only in cases in necessity, daruurat. If an alternative can be available, ethanol should not be used at all.