The concept of prohibition is often associated with the United States in the early 20th century, but its moral, social, and legal implications resonate in many cultures and eras, including the Middle East. For someone raised in the Middle East, where alcohol is traditionally frowned upon or outright forbidden in many countries, supporting prohibition might stem not only from religious beliefs but also from firsthand observations of its social consequences. The argument in favor of banning alcohol reflects a unique blend of cultural, ethical, and public health considerations deeply embedded in Middle Eastern society.
Religious and Cultural Foundations
Islamic Perspective on Alcohol
In most Middle Eastern countries, Islam plays a central role in both personal and public life. According to Islamic teachings, the consumption of alcohol is explicitly prohibited (haram). This is rooted in the Quran, which contains verses warning believers about the dangers of intoxicants. While the Quran initially advised moderation, later verses offered a definitive ban on alcohol. From a religious standpoint, prohibition is not only a recommendation but a command, believed to be for the spiritual and social welfare of individuals and society.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Sobriety
Middle Eastern societies often uphold sobriety as a virtue. Family values, community cohesion, and respectability are closely linked to one’s ability to avoid intoxicating behaviors. A Middle Easterner supporting prohibition would likely draw on these cultural values, emphasizing that alcohol disrupts the moral fabric of society and weakens the foundation of trust within families and neighborhoods.
Public Health and Social Impacts
Alcohol and Health Concerns
One of the strongest arguments for prohibition is its impact on public health. Alcohol abuse is linked to numerous health problems including liver disease, cancer, mental health disorders, and accidents. From a Middle Eastern perspective, where healthcare resources may be limited and where strong family systems often act as primary care structures, the spread of alcohol-related illnesses can become a heavy burden. Banning alcohol helps reduce these preventable conditions and promotes a healthier population.
Social Harms of Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is frequently associated with domestic violence, traffic accidents, and workplace inefficiencies. A Middle Easterner backing prohibition might point to these consequences to highlight how alcohol not only harms the individual but also affects families and communities. In societies where community and honor are highly valued, such disruption is unacceptable. Prohibition is seen not just as a control measure but as a form of collective self-protection.
Economic Arguments for Prohibition
Reduced Costs of Law Enforcement and Healthcare
Although alcohol might generate revenue through taxation, it also incurs high costs in terms of public spending. Governments often need to invest heavily in law enforcement, emergency services, and health systems to deal with alcohol-related issues. A Middle Eastern supporter of prohibition could argue that these funds would be better spent on education, infrastructure, or healthcare for children and the elderly sectors that directly benefit society’s future.
Preservation of Workforce Productivity
Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace. For developing economies in the Middle East aiming to modernize rapidly and increase competitiveness, supporting a prohibition framework ensures that the workforce remains sober, reliable, and focused. In traditional Islamic economies, this principle is already embedded in the work culture, and prohibition aligns naturally with it.
Lessons from Global Prohibition Movements
Understanding the American Prohibition
While some may criticize prohibition by citing its failure in the United States during the 1920s, a Middle Easterner might interpret that experience differently. Rather than viewing it as a failed experiment, they might see it as a lesson in how cultural mismatch and inadequate enforcement undermined a noble idea. In contrast, a society already inclined toward sobriety might find prohibition easier to sustain and more effective in delivering results.
Current Models in the Middle East
Many Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran, maintain strict laws against alcohol. These regulations are enforced through religious policing or civil law, and while black markets exist, the general population supports the ban due to moral and spiritual reasons. A Middle Eastern voice in favor of prohibition would likely point to these models as proof that a ban can work if it aligns with societal values and receives broad support.
Counterarguments and Reasoned Responses
Addressing the Issue of Personal Freedom
One common objection to prohibition is that it infringes on personal liberty. However, a Middle Easterner might counter this by emphasizing that freedom is not absolute if it endangers others. In Islamic ethics and many Middle Eastern cultures, collective well-being often takes precedence over individual indulgence. Just as laws prohibit dangerous driving or public indecency, banning alcohol is viewed as a legitimate restriction in the interest of public morality and safety.
Concerns About Underground Markets
Another argument against prohibition is the rise of illegal markets. While this concern is valid, a Middle Easterner might argue that the solution lies not in legalizing harmful substances but in stronger education, community vigilance, and religious guidance. Prohibition should be paired with public awareness campaigns and early intervention programs that provide alternatives and support for those at risk of addiction.
Personal Reflections and Social Vision
A Middle Easterner’s Ethical View
For someone from the Middle East, backing prohibition is more than a political stance it is a reflection of a deeply rooted ethical worldview. It aligns with principles of moderation, discipline, and responsibility. In a society that places family honor and community harmony at its center, alcohol is seen as a threat to those very values. Therefore, banning it is not just acceptable but necessary.
Promoting a Healthier and Safer Society
Prohibition, from this perspective, is a forward-looking policy. Rather than focusing on short-term pleasures or market freedoms, it envisions a society where children grow up in sober households, where streets are safer at night, and where health systems are not overwhelmed by preventable diseases. It is a vision that prioritizes long-term well-being and moral integrity.
A Unique and Rooted Advocacy
The call to reinstate or support alcohol prohibition, especially from a Middle Eastern point of view, is grounded in centuries of religious teachings, cultural values, and practical experiences. It is not driven by blind tradition but by a desire to protect society from avoidable harms. In the eyes of a Middle Easterner who values faith, family, and public health, prohibition is a necessary shield one that upholds dignity, order, and the collective good.