Alcohol consumption Openly in Many Muslim Countries!

Alcohol in Islamic Countries: Alcohol is considered haram in Islam, yet today there are several Muslim-majority countries where alcohol consumption remains extremely high. In fact, Kyrgyzstan tops the list in terms of alcohol consumption among Muslim nations.

You must have often heard that drinking alcohol is prohibited in Islam. The Holy Quran clearly instructs believers to stay away from alcohol, warning that it impairs human judgment and leads towards immoral paths. For this reason, many Muslim nations still impose strict bans on alcohol consumption.

But is this the complete truth?

You will be shocked to know that even today, many Muslim-majority countries rank among the highest consumers of alcohol internationally.

Some countries permit only non-Muslims to buy alcohol with a permit; however, there are also Muslim-majority nations where the Muslim population itself consumes alcohol in large quantities.

This raises a serious question —

If alcohol is haram, then why and how is it consumed so widely in Muslim countries?

1. Kyrgyzstan — The Highest Alcohol Consumption Among Muslim Countries

Kyrgyzstan is one of the Muslim-majority countries where alcohol consumption is extremely high. Reports suggest that Kyrgyz people are traditionally known for their alcohol consumption.

During winter, it is very common to see people publicly intoxicated.

Here, vodka is consumed the most, followed by beer, sweet wines, and champagne.

In Kyrgyz society, alcohol is considered normal during almost every celebration — be it weddings or festive occasions.

Thus, despite religious restrictions, alcohol holds a significant cultural presence.

2. UAE — Ban for Muslims, Permission for Tourists

The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s leading tourism hubs.

Alcohol is restricted here, but only for Muslim citizens.

Non-Muslim tourists and expatriates may drink alcohol in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. The UAE government has relaxed its alcohol regulations significantly to promote tourism.

However, drinking in public or being intoxicated openly remains a serious offense.

In 2022, the UAE recorded 0.8 liters per capita alcohol consumption.

3. Pakistan — Total Ban for Muslims, Restricted Permits for Non-Muslims

In the early years after independence, Pakistan allowed alcohol consumption.

But in 1977, under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government, alcohol was completely banned for Muslims.

Today, it is illegal for Muslims to produce, buy, or consume alcohol.

Non-Muslim minorities, however, can purchase limited alcohol with permits — generally:

• 5 bottles of liquor per month OR

• 100 bottles of beer

In 2022, Pakistan reported 0.1 liters per capita alcohol consumption.

4. Kazakhstan — WHO Data: Highest Among Muslim Countries

According to WHO statistics, Kazakhstan ranks highest in alcohol consumption among Central Asian Muslim nations:

• 2010: 9.3 liters per capita

• 2016: 7.7 liters

• 2022: 5.4 liters

Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan follow next.

Despite religious values, Soviet-era cultural influence made alcohol a normalized beverage in many regions.

5. Mauritania — Strict Ban for Muslims, Exceptions for Foreign Tourists

In Mauritania, alcohol laws are extremely strict.

Muslims cannot consume, sell, or possess alcohol.

However, foreign tourists and expatriates may consume alcohol in hotels and restaurants with special permits.

6. Egypt — Legal but Strictly Regulated in Public Spaces

Alcohol is legal in Egypt, but heavily regulated.

During Ramadan, alcohol sales to Muslims are completely banned.

Drinking alcohol on the streets or inside vehicles is illegal.

In 2022, Egypt reported only 0.1 liters per capita consumption.

7. Bangladesh — Ban for Muslims, Alcohol Allowed for Non-Muslims

In Bangladesh, alcohol is banned only for Muslims.

Non-Muslims may purchase it with permits.

Interestingly, the country has only one liquor-producing company — “Carew,” which recently reported the highest profit in its history.

Nearly 150,000 Hindu tea-garden workers and foreign nationals form the main consumer base of alcohol in Bangladesh.

Even though alcohol is haram in Islam, the rules regarding alcohol vary widely across Muslim countries.

Some nations enforce strict bans, while others restrict only Muslims.

Many Muslim-majority countries adopt a culturally or economically flexible approach towards alcohol.

This clearly indicates that government policies in these nations are shaped more by social structure and modern-day needs than by religious prohibitions alone.