Providing a comprehensive, single-list of everything that is Haram (prohibited) is not possible in a short format, as Islamic law is vast and detailed. However, I can provide a foundational list of the major categories and specific prohibitions that are explicitly established by the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
This list is based on the core sources and represents the consensus of mainstream Islamic scholarship.
Foundational Principles for Prohibition
In Islam, things are prohibited based on clear evidence from:
- The Qur’an: A clear text declaring something unlawful.
- The Sunnah: A verified, authentic statement or action of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Consensus (Ijma’) of the early scholars on a ruling derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The general rule in Islamic law is that all things are permissible unless proven otherwise by a sacred text. Prohibitions are enacted to protect faith, life, lineage, intellect, and property.
Major Categories of Haram Things & Activities
Here is a categorized list of the primary prohibitions:
1. Beliefs and Acts of Worship (Aqeedah & Ibadah)
- Shirk (Associating partners with Allah): The gravest sin. This includes idolatry, praying to others besides Allah, and believing other beings have divine attributes.
- Qur’an Evidence: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:48)
- Magic and Sorcery (Sihr): Learning, practicing, or seeking out witchcraft.
- Qur’an Evidence: “…and the magician will never succeed, no matter what skill they attain.” (Surah Taha, 20:69)
- Fortune-telling and Astrology: Believing that stars or soothsayers can predict the unseen future (al-Ghayb), which is knowledge belonging only to Allah.
- Sacrificing animals for other than Allah: E.g., making an offering to a saint, jinn, or a grave.
2. Food and Drink
- Carrion (Dead Meat): Animals that die without being properly slaughtered.
- Pork and its by-products.
- Blood that flows from an animal.
- Intoxicants (Khamr): This includes all forms of alcohol, drugs, and any substance that intoxicates or clouds the mind, in small or large amounts.
- Qur’an Evidence: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:90)
- Animals slaughtered without mentioning Allah’s name.
- Carnivorous animals with fangs (e.g., lions, tigers) and birds of prey with talons (e.g., eagles, hawks).
3. Financial and Commercial Transactions (Mu’amalat)
- Riba (Usury/Interest): Any form of interest on loans is strictly forbidden. This is a major sin.
- Qur’an Evidence: “…But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275)
- Gambling (Maysir/Qimar): Includes lotteries, casinos, betting, and games of chance where money is wagered.
- Fraud and Deception (Ghash): In business, selling defective goods, hiding flaws, or false advertising.
- Theft.
- Consuming the property of orphans unjustly.
- Bribery.
4. Social and Moral Conduct (Akhlaq)
- Zina (Unlawful Sexual Intercourse): This includes adultery and fornication.
- Homosexual Acts.
- Usurping others’ property or rights.
- Killing (Murder): Taking an innocent life is a major sin.
- Qur’an Evidence: “…whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)
- Suicide.
- Disrespecting Parents.
- Backbiting (Gheebah) and Slander (Buhtan).
- Sunnah Evidence: The Prophet (ﷺ) defined backbiting as “mentioning about your brother something that he dislikes.” (Sahih Muslim)
- Lying, especially bearing false witness.
- Spying and prying into the private affairs of others.
- Men imitating women and women imitating men in dress and behavior.
5. Dress and Appearance
- Silk and Gold: Prohibited for adult males (but permissible for women).
- Immodest Dress: For both men and women, clothing must cover the Awrah (private parts). For women in front of non-mahram men, this is generally interpreted as the entire body except the face and hands.
- Permanent Tattoos: That change the creation of Allah.
- Altering one’s appearance in a way that deceives others (e.g., certain types of cosmetic surgery for deceit) is generally discouraged and can be prohibited.
6. Miscellaneous
- Tyranny and Injustice (Zulm).
- Despairing of the Mercy of Allah.
- Breaking Promises and Trusts.
- Wasting money and resources (Israf).
Important Nuances and Considerations
- Necessity (Darurah): The general rule in Islam is that “necessity makes the prohibited permissible.” For example, if a person is starving and no Halal food is available, they may eat what is necessary to survive, even if it is normally Haram (like pork). This is a temporary exemption, not a license.
- Ignorance and Intent: Allah’s judgment considers a person’s knowledge and intention. Sins committed out of genuine ignorance are treated differently from those committed knowingly and deliberately.
- Scholarly Interpretation (Ijtihad): Some issues fall into a “gray area” and are subject to scholarly interpretation. For these matters, you may find differing opinions among reputable scholars. In such cases, it is recommended to follow the opinion you find most convincing and evidence-based.
- Repentance (Tawbah): For any sin, major or minor, sincere repentance is always open. Sincere repentance involves:
- Stopping the sin.
- Regretting it.
- Resolving not to return to it.
- Restoring the rights of any person who was wronged.
Disclaimer: This list is a summary and not exhaustive. For specific personal situations, it is always best to consult a knowledgeable and trusted scholar or imam who can provide a fatwa (religious verdict) based on the full context of your circumstances.
IMPACTS IN LIVES OF PEOPLE WHO EMBRACED ISLAM
Of course. The impact of Islamic prohibitions on the lives of believers is profound and multifaceted, shaping individual identity, family life, social structures, and the relationship with God. Similar to Judaism and Hinduism, these prohibitions are not seen as arbitrary restrictions but as divine guidance for achieving well-being in this life and the hereafter.
The core sources for these prohibitions are the Qur’an (revealed word of God) and the Sunnah (the teachings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad).
Here is a breakdown of the key impacts of embracing these prohibitions.
I. Foundation: The Core Prohibitions
First, it’s essential to understand some of the primary prohibitions that form the basis of this impact:
- Shirk (Idolatry): The one unforgivable sin if maintained until death. It is associating partners with God, compromising the core of Islamic monotheism (Tawhid). (Qur’an 4:48)
- Major Sins (Kaba’ir): These include murder, adultery/fornication (Zina), consuming usury (Riba), disrespecting parents, witchcraft, and bearing false witness.
- Consuming Haram (Unlawful) Food and Drink:
- Pork and its by-products.
- Alcohol and all intoxicants.
- Carnivorous animals, blood, and animals not slaughtered in God’s name.
- Unlawful Sexual Relations: Any sexual activity outside of a valid marriage contract is strictly forbidden.
- Dishonest Practices: Riba (interest/usury), gambling (Maysir), and uncertainty in contracts (Gharar) are prohibited in business and finance.
- Other Social Prohibitions: Backbiting, gossip, slander, and extravagance are strongly condemned.
II. The Impacts on the Lives of Believers
1. Spiritual and Psychological Impact
- A Strong, Unified Identity and Sense of Purpose: The prohibitions, especially against Shirk, create a clear, uncompromising worldview. The believer’s ultimate purpose is to worship God alone. This provides a powerful anchor and a clear moral compass in a complex world.
- Cultivation of God-Consciousness (Taqwa): The ultimate goal of all prohibitions is to develop Taqwa—a state of constant awareness of God. This internal moral compass helps a Muslim avoid not just the prohibited acts themselves, but also the paths leading to them. It’s a form of spiritual self-discipline.
- Inner Peace and Tranquility (Sakina): By adhering to these boundaries, believers often report a sense of peace, believing they are fulfilling their covenant with God. Submitting to a divine will can relieve the anxiety of having to personally define all moral boundaries.
- Purification of the Heart (Tazkiyah): Prohibitions against gossip, envy, and anger are seen as a way to purify the heart from spiritual diseases, leading to greater compassion, patience, and contentment.
2. Social and Communal Impact
- Strengthening the Family Unit: Prohibitions against pre-marital and extra-marital sex are intended to protect the family structure. Laws of modesty and marriage ensure that family lines are clear and children are raised in a stable, legitimate environment.
- Promotion of Social Justice and Trust:
- The prohibition of Riba (usury/interest) aims to prevent the exploitation of the poor and create an economy based on fair risk-sharing.
- The prohibition of alcohol and intoxicants is seen as a way to maintain a clear mind, protect families from abuse and financial ruin, and reduce social ills like drunk driving and violence.
- Prohibitions against gossip and slander (Qur’an 49:12) are direct commands to protect the honor and reputation of others, fostering a community built on trust.
- Creating a Distinct, Cohesive Community (Ummah): Shared practices like Halal dietary laws and abstaining from alcohol create a strong sense of community and belonging. They act as constant reminders of a shared identity and commitment, which can be especially powerful for Muslims living as minorities.
3. Physical and Economic Impact
- Health and Well-being: Many Muslims view the prohibitions on alcohol, pork, and intoxicants as divinely mandated health measures. The prescribed method of animal slaughter (Zabihah) is also believed to be more hygienic and humane, draining most of the blood which can harbor pathogens.
- Financial Ethics and Purity: Engaging in Halal (permissible) business and avoiding Riba is believed to “purify” one’s wealth. This has led to the growth of a global Islamic finance industry that offers interest-free loans, Islamic bonds (Sukuk), and ethical investment funds.
4. Challenges and Tensions in the Modern Context
Embracing these prohibitions is not without its challenges, which also shape the lives of believers:
- Navigating a Non-Islamic Society: For Muslims in secular or non-Muslim majority countries, adhering to prohibitions on alcohol, certain foods, and financial practices requires constant vigilance and can sometimes lead to social isolation or discrimination.
- Internal Struggles and Interpretation: Like all humans, Muslims may struggle with temptations. The journey is one of constant repentance (Tawbah) and self-improvement. There are also ongoing debates within the community regarding the interpretation of certain prohibitions in a modern context.
- Positive Peer Pressure vs. Social Stigma: Within the community, adherence to prohibitions can bring respect, while violation can carry social stigma. This can be a powerful force for compliance but can also sometimes lead to judgmental attitudes.
Summary: The Overarching Framework
In Islam, the system of prohibitions (Haram) and permissions (Halal) is not a list of burdens but a comprehensive code for life. The impacts are designed to be holistic:
- Spiritually, they foster a direct, unmediated relationship with God.
- Individually, they promote self-discipline, purity, and mental well-being.
- Socially, they aim to build a just, safe, and cohesive community.
The ultimate impact, from a believer’s perspective, is a life lived in submission to God, which leads to success in this world and the ultimate reward of Paradise in the hereafter. The challenges faced in upholding these prohibitions are often viewed as tests of faith, which, when overcome, strengthen the believer’s conviction.
ADHERENTS OF ISLAMIC PROHIBITION S
That is an excellent and complex question, but it’s one that is impossible to answer with a precise, globally applicable percentage. There is no central authority to track this, and adherence varies dramatically based on individual interpretation, culture, country, and the specific prohibition in question.
However, we can break down the factors that influence adherence and provide a nuanced understanding of the spectrum of observance.
The Spectrum of Adherence
Instead of a single percentage, it’s more accurate to think of a spectrum:
- Strict Adherence: A minority of Muslims follow all the major prohibitions strictly. They never consume alcohol, strictly observe Halal dietary laws, pray five times a day, and women may wear the Niqab or full Hijab. Their social and financial lives are structured around Islamic law.
- Consistent Observance of Core Prohibitions: This is likely the largest group. They consistently avoid the “big ticket” prohibitions like pork, alcohol, and pre-marital sex. They may pray regularly but sometimes miss prayers. They aim to follow the principles but are not strict about every minor detail.
- Cultural/Nominal Identification: This group identifies as Muslim culturally but may not actively practice many of the prohibitions. They might drink alcohol occasionally, not eat pork but not seek out certified Halal meat, and rarely pray. Their connection is more through family tradition and identity than daily religious practice.
- Non-Observant/Secular: A smaller segment does not follow the religious prohibitions at all, though they may still identify as Muslim on a cultural or ethnic basis.
Factors Causing Extreme Variation
The following factors make a single percentage meaningless:
- Geographic Location: Adherence is generally higher in countries with state-enforced or culturally dominant Islamic laws (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran) compared to Muslims living as minorities in secular societies (e.g., Europe, North America). However, even within minority communities, adherence can be very high as a way of preserving identity.
- The Specific Prohibition:
- Near-Universal Adherence (>95%): The prohibition of Shirk (idolatry) is a theological cornerstone adhered to by virtually all who identify as Muslim.
- Very High Adherence (~90%+): The prohibition of pork is one of the most widely observed dietary laws across the Muslim world, even among many non-practicing Muslims.
- High Adherence (Majority): Avoiding alcohol is also very common, though its observance is less universal than avoiding pork, especially in some cultures and social circles.
- Variable Adherence (Significant Minorities): Prohibitions on usury (Riba) and pre-marital sex are strongly upheld by practicing Muslims, but observance is harder to measure and varies greatly. The use of Islamic finance is growing but is still not used by a majority globally.
- Context-Dependent Adherence: Prohibitions like modesty dress (Hijab) are followed by a vast number of Muslim women, but the percentage varies enormously by country—from nearly 100% in Iran and Saudi Arabia to a small minority in Turkey or among Muslim communities in the West.
What Do Polls and Studies Suggest?
While no poll can capture the full picture, some data points give clues:
- Pew Research Center polls are a great source. For example, a 2013 Pew poll found that a median of 77% of Muslims in Sub-Saharan Africa and a median of 62% in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East-North Africa region considered it necessary to believe in God to be moral (hinting at the centrality of faith). Another Pew study showed that over 80% of Muslims in many countries fast during Ramadan, indicating a high level of engagement with core practices.
- Observance of Ramadan and Hajj: These pillars of Islam have incredibly high participation rates. Hundreds of millions fast during Ramadan, and millions perform Hajj when they are able. This shows a deep connection to the faith’s core obligations, which include adhering to its prohibitions.
Conclusion: An Informed Estimate is Impossible
To put a number on it would be misleading. However, we can say this:
- A very high percentage of Muslims who actively practice their faith adhere to the core prohibitions (pork, alcohol, major sins).
- A significant and diverse majority adhere to at least some of the key prohibitions, especially those related to diet and core beliefs.
- Adherence is not all-or-nothing; it’s a lifelong journey of faith, repentance, and effort, with individuals moving along the spectrum at different points in their lives.
In short, while it’s clear that these prohibitions have a massive impact on the lives of hundreds of millions of Muslims, defining that impact with a single statistic is not feasible due to the immense diversity within the global Muslim community.