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What culture does not consume alcohol?

Alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world. However, there are some cultures and religious groups that prohibit or strongly discourage the use of alcohol.

Islam

Islam forbids the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. This prohibition comes directly from the Quran, the holy book of Islam:

“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.” (Quran 5:90)

As a result, most observant Muslims avoid alcohol altogether. Many Muslim-majority countries have legal restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol as well.

Countries with alcohol bans due to Islam

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • Libya
  • Yemen
  • Sudan
  • Iran
  • Afghanistan
  • Mauritania
  • Pakistan
  • United Arab Emirates

In these countries, alcohol is completely prohibited and drinking is punishable under national laws. However, enforcement varies between regions. Some areas with large non-Muslim populations may allow foreigners to purchase alcohol.

Mormonism

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, encourages its members to abstain from drinking alcohol. Mormon dietary code, called the “Word of Wisdom,” considers alcohol to be harmful:

“And again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.” (Doctrines and Covenants 89:7)

As a result, practicing Mormons do not drink wine, beer, liquor, or other alcoholic beverages. The prohibition extends beyond just consumption – Mormons are not supposed to work in businesses that produce, distribute, or sell alcohol either.

Prevalence of alcohol abstention among Mormons

Group Percentage who do not drink alcohol
Utah population (majority Mormon) 62%
Mormons in Utah 74%
Mormons outside Utah 79%

While not all Mormons adhere perfectly to the Word of Wisdom, rates of alcohol abstention are significantly higher among Mormons than the general population.

Seventh-day Adventists

Seventh-day Adventists encourage teetotalism among their adherents. Their doctrine emphasizes health, wellbeing, and avoiding harmful substances. As a result, Adventists avoid alcohol, tobacco, and even caffeine:

“Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well.” (Fundamental Beliefs #22)

Studies show that Adventists have significantly lower rates of alcohol consumption compared to the general population in North America:

Alcohol consumption among Seventh-day Adventists

Group Percentage reporting alcohol use in past year
General population 65%
Seventh-day Adventists 16%

However, not all Adventists strictly avoid all alcohol. There is variation in how strictly individuals adhere to the recommendations.

Hindu and Buddhist Ascetic Groups

Some Hindu and Buddhist monks and ascetics abstain from alcohol as part of their spiritual practice. Examples include:

  • Jain monks and nuns in India
  • Hindu Brahmin priests
  • Buddhist monks in Thailand and Myanmar

For these ascetic groups, avoiding alcohol is part of their commitment to simplicity, self-discipline, and purification. However, abstention from alcohol is not universally practiced among all Hindus and Buddhists.

Prevalence of vegetarianism and teetotalism among Jains

Group Percentage vegetarian Percentage teetotal
Jain monks and nuns 100% 100%
Jain laity 99% 30-60%

While Jain monks and nuns completely abstain from alcohol, the Jain community as a whole has very high rates of vegetarianism and teetotalism compared to India’s general population.

Some Indigenous Cultures

Prior to contact with Europeans, some indigenous cultures in the Americas, Australia, and the Pacific did not have knowledge or experience with alcoholic beverages. These include:

  • Inuit in northern Canada and Alaska
  • Aboriginal Australians
  • Native Hawaiians
  • Maori in New Zealand

In these traditional cultures, there were no alcoholic drinks produced locally. Alcohol was introduced along with European colonization and settlement.

Unfortunately, the lack of historical tolerance to alcohol left many indigenous communities severely impacted by alcohol abuse and addiction. Today, alcohol bans have been implemented in some indigenous communities to address these health issues.

Alcohol abuse among Native Americans

Statistic Native Americans U.S. general population
Alcoholism death rate 5.3 times higher N/A
Binge drinking rate 8.9% 7.1%
Alcohol-related suicides 3.2 times higher rate N/A

Historical lack of exposure to alcohol left Native American populations especially vulnerable. Addressing alcohol abuse remains an important health priority.

Conclusion

While most cultures include alcohol among their food and drink traditions, several religious and indigenous groups abstain from alcohol consumption completely or in part. Islam, Mormonism, Jain asceticism, Seventh-day Adventism, and some traditional indigenous cultures developed either in the absence of alcoholic beverages or intentionally avoided alcohol as part of their spiritual values and health codes. However, no culture’s relationship with alcohol is static. Attitudes and behaviors around alcohol continue to evolve over time within both abstinent and non-abstinent cultures.