Islam is a comprehensive way of life that offers clear guidance on what is permissible (halal) and what is prohibited (haram). Understanding what is haram in Islam is essential for every Muslim striving to live a life in accordance with divine guidance. But the lines can sometimes blur especially in a modern world filled with evolving norms and technologies.
11 Things that are haram in Islam, the word “haram” means anything that is forbidden or not allowed by Allah. These actions or items are considered sinful and should be avoided by Muslims. Here are 11 common examples of what is haram in Islam:
- Adultery or sex outside of marriage
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs that cause intoxication
- Gambling or betting for money
- Lying or cheating others
- Being arrogant or looking down on others
- Earning or paying interest (usury)
- Stealing someone’s rightful inheritance
- Worshipping anyone or anything besides Allah (shirk)
- Charging unfair extra amounts over the original price
- Eating pork or food made from pork
- Harming others without reason
In this article, we’ll break down 11 things that are haram in Islam, backed by the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly interpretations. Whether you’re deepening your knowledge or starting your faith journey, this guide will provide clarity on key prohibitions, the wisdom behind them, and how to avoid them in daily life.
What Does ‘Haram’ Mean in Islam?
The word haram (Arabic: حَرَام) means “forbidden” or “prohibited.” In Islamic jurisprudence, haram denotes anything that is explicitly prohibited by Allah (God) and His Messenger (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
Engaging in haram actions is considered sinful, and in many cases, persistent indulgence in them can lead to spiritual and social consequences. The opposite of haram is halal that which is lawful or permissible.
11 Things That Are Haram in Islam
1. Consuming Alcohol and Intoxicants
Primary Keyword: haram in Islam
The Qur’an explicitly forbids alcohol and other intoxicants:
“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)
- Why it’s haram: Alcohol impairs judgment, encourages sinful behavior, and harms health.
- Modern examples: Recreational drug use, vaping with THC, or even some over-the-counter medications used to get high.
Pro Tip: Check ingredient labels before consuming packaged foods or drinks—some may contain alcohol-based flavorings.
2. Engaging in Interest (Riba)
Riba (usury or interest) is strictly prohibited in Islam.
“Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity…” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275)
- Why it’s haram: It exploits the needy and promotes economic injustice.
- Real-world applications: Traditional bank loans, interest-based mortgages, payday loans, or credit card debt with high interest.
- Halal Alternative: Islamic banking options that use Murabaha (cost-plus financing) or Ijara (leasing) instead of interest.
3. Gambling and Games of Chance
Gambling, or Maisir, is forbidden due to its addictive nature and the false hope it generates.
“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219)
- Modern examples: Casinos, online betting, fantasy football with cash prizes, lottery tickets.
- Islamic principle: Earn wealth through hard work, not chance.
4. Eating Pork or Pork-Based Products
Pork is one of the few foods explicitly forbidden in the Qur’an.
“He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah…” Surah An-Nahl (16:115)
- Check labels: Many processed foods contain gelatin or enzymes derived from pork.
- Even medicine? Some scholars allow pork-derived gelatin in life-saving drugs, but only as a last resort.
5. Dishonesty and Lying
Truthfulness is a core Islamic value, and lying is strongly condemned.
“Woe to those who give less [than due], who when they take a measure from people take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss.” Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:1-3)
- Examples: Lying to employers, cheating on exams, false advertising, faking qualifications.
- Pro Tip: Integrity is part of iman (faith).
6. Backbiting and Slander (Gheebah)
Speaking ill of someone behind their back is akin to eating the flesh of your dead brother haram and deeply despised in Islam.
“Do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it!” Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12)
- Examples: Gossip in social circles, anonymous online comments, or even venting without purpose.
- Islamic etiquette: Speak good or remain silent (Hadith – Bukhari).
7. Zina (Adultery and Fornication)
Zina refers to unlawful sexual relations outside of marriage.
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” Surah Al-Isra (17:32)
- Why it’s haram: Destroys families, spreads disease, and undermines morality.
- Modern pitfalls: Hookup culture, sexting, cohabitation without marriage.
- Islamic solution: Promote modesty, encourage marriage, and lower your gaze (Surah An-Nur 24:30-31).
8. Consuming Halal Food Earned through Haram Means
Even halal food becomes tainted if bought with income from forbidden sources.
“O people, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good…” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168)
- Examples: Buying halal meat with earnings from interest, drug dealing, or scams.
- Prophetic teaching: A person whose food, drink, and clothing come from haram sources may not have their prayers accepted (Muslim).
9. Oppression and Injustice
Any form of oppression against individuals or communities is categorically haram.
“Indeed, Allah does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.” — Surah Yunus (10:44)
- Examples: Workplace discrimination, abusing family members, systemic racism, exploiting workers.
- Islamic ethics: Justice (Adl) is a pillar of Islam.
10. Disrespecting Parents
Islam places immense value on honoring one’s parents.
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment…” — Surah Al-Isra (17:23)
- What’s haram: Talking back, ignoring their needs, or putting them in harm’s way.
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers.” (Ahmad, Nasai)
11. Envy and Pride (Hasad and Kibr)
Spiritual diseases like jealousy and arrogance corrupt the heart and are haram.
“Do not turn your face away from people in arrogance, nor walk in pride on the earth. Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful.” Surah Luqman (31:18)
- Examples: Social media-driven jealousy, belittling others, refusing to accept advice.
- Spiritual tip: Develop humility through prayer and self-reflection.
Additional Notes on Haram Practices
- Music and Entertainment: Opinions vary among scholars, but many discourage music that promotes immorality.
- Immodest Clothing: Both men and women are encouraged to dress modestly. Revealing attire is generally haram.
- Tattooing: Considered haram by many scholars based on hadith (Bukhari, Muslim).
- Celebrating Non-Islamic Festivals: Some scholars view participation in holidays like Halloween or Christmas as impermissible.
Conclusion
Living a life that aligns with Islamic teachings means striving to avoid what is haram in Islam and embracing what is halal. While some prohibitions may seem restrictive, each serves a higher purpose: to protect the soul, the society, and the natural balance ordained by Allah.
Whether you’re reevaluating your lifestyle or just learning about Islam, understanding these haram actions is a crucial step toward spiritual growth. Reflect, seek forgiveness where needed, and aim to live righteously.
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7-8)