Glossary

What does khamr mean?

خمر

In short

Khamr means intoxicating drink, such as wine or beer. It is forbidden in the Qur'an, in small or large amounts.

Khamr (خمر) means any intoxicating drink. The Qur'an forbids it (5:90), and the Prophet ﷺ said that whatever intoxicates in large amounts is forbidden in small amounts.

Scholars differ on tiny amounts of alcohol used as a carrier in flavourings, or naturally present in foods like bread and fruit juice, which do not intoxicate. See Is food with a little alcohol halal?

More terms

Written by the Halal Check Online editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-10-06. How we write these answers · Suggest a correction