The word alcohol herein refers to ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, which is the main
ingredient in what the Quran refers to as khamr, or alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is a
chemical quite common in nature and has many uses and applications. In ancient
times, it was mainly consumed as alcoholic drinks. Alcohol was made by fermentation
from fruits such as grapes and dates, and is now also made from grains such
as rye, wheat, barley, and corn. Potatoes and whey are also used to make alcohol.