> `Now consider the following: there is nothing particularly strong in Islam’s holy text against drinking alcohol, just a rather vague recommendation of avoidance of intoxication while facing the creator.`
Sorry but while this may be well meant from the author it is just wrong. I'm arabic native speaker and can provide more details.
First the quran was revealed in a span of 23 years. And when dealing with drinking, the quran took a step by step approach. At first, a general warning was given to forbid Muslims from attending prayers while in a
drunken state (Quran, 4:43).
"O you who believe! Do not approach the prayer while you are drunk, so that you know what you say"
Then a later verse was revealed to Prophet Muhammad which
said that while specifically alcohol had some medicinal benefits, the negative effects of it outweighed the good (Quran, 2:219).
"They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say, “There is gross sin in them, and some benefits for people, but their sinfulness outweighs their benefit.”"
Finally, “intoxicants and gambling” were called “abominations of Satan’s handiwork,” which
warned people with self-consciousness to not turn away from God and forget about prayer,
and Muslims were ordered to abstain (Quran, 5:90-91).
"90: O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, idolatry, and divination are abominations of Satan’s doing. Avoid them, so that you may prosper. 91: Satan wants to provoke strife and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to prevent you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer. Will you not desist?"
The Prophet Muhammad also instructed his companions to avoid any intoxicating
substances (paraphrased), “if it intoxicates in a large amount, it is forbidden even in a small
amount.” For this reason, most observant Muslims avoid alcohol in any form, even small
amounts that are sometimes used in cooking.
Well, I lived in Germany for a long time and had that sticker on my mailbox, but still got them. Though less than anywhere else, so it does scare some, but not all of them.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago,A1C was 11%. Doctor gave me 2x Mitformin and other meds and said I should probably start insulin within 6months.
I never took the meds they gave me. I started a keto diet righ away and never looked back. Now my tests have been all showing I'm in pre-diabetes range.
I eat healthy and walk everyday. I don't miss sugar anymore and I do have fast food once in a while.
What I eat:
- Chicken, fish and some meat
- eggs, salad, cheese, milk, tea, coffee
- sugar free biscuits and sometimes sugar free Ice Cream
- a lot of water
- vegetables, and a special bread, no rice
I also found out that my insulin get released during lunch and later dinner, but not much during breakfast or after lunch. So I time how much I eat accordingly.
The nurse didn't believe her eyes when she saw my results and asked me about what diet I used.
I did prick my finger a LOT in the first 3 months but it was worth it, as I now know exactly what to eat and what to avoid.
I used a forum extensively (UK oriented) to follow my diet [1]. Hope this helps.
How about people just be humble about how smart they are, and start using their "intelligence" to help others and be a good example.