Angels Tapping at the Wine- Shop's Door: A History of Alcohol in the Islamic World

Alcohol consumption is prohibited in many Islamic countries, but Muslims have a long history of drinking, often to excess. Rudi Matthee's book explores the diverse and multiplicitous tradition of alcohol consumption in Islam, from the Umayyad dynasty to modern Pakistan, and shows that Muslims embraced ambivalence and ambiguity in their beliefs and practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Islam stands as a unique global religion that resists the pervasive influence of alcohol consumption. While alcohol is either outright banned or has minimal presence in many Islamic societies, it is important to note that Muslims have a historical record of consuming alcohol, often in excessive quantities. This captivating study delves into the diverse and multifaceted manifestations of drinking within the context of Islam, transcending mere mentions of hypocrisy or the allure of forbidden fruit. Rudi Matthee contends that alcohol, through its absence as much as its presence, holds a profound significance in understanding the core of Islam. Spanning a vast historical timeline, from the eighth-century Umayyad dynasty to modern-day Turkey under Erdoğan's leadership, and from Islamic Spain to contemporary Pakistan, Matthee uncovers a tradition characterized by diversity and multiplicity. Muslims engaged in the consumption of wine, employing it as a poetic metaphor and even perceiving it as a divine gift, believing that it held the key to unlocking the eternal truth. Matthee's research is grounded in a wealth of sources drawn from various languages, presenting Islam as a complex and multifaceted faith that embraces ambivalence and allows for ambiguity and even contradiction. Through his meticulous exploration, Matthee sheds light on the intricate relationship between alcohol, religion, and cultural practices within the Islamic world, offering a fresh perspective on this topic.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787388154