We all know that alcohol is forbidden for us in this world and that it intoxicates and causes confusions, which is why it is filthy, drinking it is from the acts of Shaytaan, and it is the mother of evil deeds. But then why alcohol – forbidden in this life – is permitted in the next? A – The wine of the Hereafter is pure. It neither intoxicates nor harms. It is the wine of this world only that intoxicates, harms, and confuses. All of the direct and indirect harms associated with the wine of this world are non-existent in the wine of the next life. – Sheikh Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 8, p. 415 Importance of Aqeedah Q- I know someone who is lax regarding the importance of Aqeedah (creed). He believes Iman (faith) is sufficient (for him). Do you have any clarification concerning the importance of Aqeedah for the Muslim and how it affects on one's life? A – The correctness of Aqeedah is the (most) fundamental principle. This is because bearing witness that La Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Anna Muhammaddan Rasool Allah (there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger) is the first pillar of Islam. The Messengers called firstly, to the correction of the Aqeedah because all acts of worship and behavior depend on it and without the correct Aqeedah there is no benefit from (these) deeds. Allah said: “But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.” (Qur'an, 6:88) And their deeds became invalid. And Allah said: “Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the wrong-doers there are no helpers.” (Qur'an, 5:72) “And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad, peace be upon him), as it was to those (Allah's Messengers) before you: ‘If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.'” (Qur'an, 39:65) From these texts and other than them, it is clear that the correction of the Aqeedah is important and at the forefront of Da'wah. The first (thing) to be established for the Da'wah is the correction of Aqeedah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained in Makkah for 13 years after his mission began, calling the people to Tawheed. The Fara'id (obligatory acts of worship) were only revealed in Madina. Yes, and the Salah was made obligatory upon him in Makkah before the Hijrah and the rest of the Shariah came down after the Hijrah. From this we have evidence that deeds are not accepted except when the Aqeedah is sound. The statement that Iman is sufficient without giving importance to Aqeedah is contradictory because Iman is not Iman unless Aqeedah is correct. And when Aqeedah is not correct, there is no Iman and no religion. – Sheikh Saleh Al-Fowzan; Fatawa As-Siyasah Ash
