ISLAMIC MORAL TEACHINGS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION; A CASE STUDY OF MUSLIM YOUTH OF MUMIAS

Abstract

It is a common scene to find some Muslims especially, the youth in Mumias drunk. Despite the teachings of Quran being clear in condemning alcohol, still some do get drunk. Islam reached Mumias during the reign of Nabongo Mumia in 187O.This study carried out in Mumias intended to investigate alcohol consumption among Muslims of Mumias especially the youth. In the course of the study 1 discovered that Wanga tradition did not condemn the use of alcohol but had checks and balances which ensured a healthy habit of alcohol intake. There was no room for abuse since the elders ensured that the laid down rules were strictly adhered to. Alcohol was served on special occasions, as opposed to casual usage as it is now. The study established that Wanga Muslim, especially the youth have been influenced by socio- cultural activities of the area. 78% of the respondents confirmed to this view. Cultural festivals such as Amakumba, Tsing’anyiro, Amasika, Ikhwe Emisiro among other practices are some of the reasons why alcohol is consumed. Other factors that were mentioned arc peer pressure, lack of role models, media influence and curiosity. Consumption of alcohol in the area has led to a lot of negative effects especially to the youth. These range from poor health, immorality especially on sexual behavior which has led to increased HIV/A1DS infection. Majority of reported and unreported crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol. The study revealed that alcohol had contributed to the high poverty levels in the area. Low practice of Islam, among the youth in the area, was also attributed to the fact that most of them are involved in alcoholism. This means that they do not have time to observe prayers in the Mosque. The study came to the conclusion that the coming of Islam to Wanga people made them change their understanding of alcohol even though they still consume it. 74% of the respondents agreed on this point. Alcohol taking is not as acceptable as it was before the introduction of Islam. The theory advanced in the study was conflict theory. The theory emphasizes a person’s or group’s ability to exercise influence and control over others, (hereby affecting social order. The sample size of the study was 68 respondents, interviewed by structured and required to give his or her opinion while in closed ended questionnaires the respondent chooses an answer from given choices. It is unfortunate that the researcher could not cover the whole area of Mumias area due to limited resources and time set for the research. The study made suggestions and recommendations that the researcher believe it could be of help to other researchers in the same field and the policy makers.