Can I attend AA meetings as a Muslim?
Yes. You can attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings as a Muslim, and for many people they are a strong help in staying sober. AA says it is not tied to any religion, so your "higher power" can simply be Allah. You can stay silent during any prayer or ritual that conflicts with your faith and still benefit from the fellowship.
Why it is a good step
Islam wants you free of anything that harms you and keeps you from Allah. The Quran says of intoxicants:
Getting help is a way of answering that question with "yes". The door of repentance is also always open. The Prophet ﷺ said Allah accepts the repentance of His servant as long as his soul has not reached his throat (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3537). If you drink heavily, speak to a doctor before stopping suddenly, since withdrawal can be dangerous. For a wider look at recovery, see Can I go to rehab as a Muslim?
The "higher power" and the Twelve Steps
AA's Twelve Steps talk about "a Power greater than ourselves" and "God as we understood Him". AA lets each person decide what that means. As a Muslim, you can understand it as Allah, the One God. You are not handing your will to a group or a person. You are asking Allah for help, which is what a Muslim does anyway.
Some groups close with a shared prayer, such as the Serenity Prayer or the Lord's Prayer, and some hold hands. You don't have to join in. The Quran teaches respect between faiths while keeping worship separate: "You have your way, and I have my Way" (Quran 109:6). You can sit quietly, make your own dua inside your heart, or step out for a moment.
What to expect at a meeting
- Open and closed meetings. Open meetings welcome anyone, while closed meetings are for people who want to stop drinking.
- First names only. What is said stays private, and you can just listen at first.
- Venues. Meetings are often held in church halls or community centres, and many are available online. Many scholars allow entering a place of worship for a lawful need as long as you don't take part in worship. If it troubles you, choose a different venue or go online.
Sharing your story
Telling your story is a big part of AA, but Islam also encourages privacy about sins. The Prophet ﷺ said that those who publicise their sins will not be pardoned like others (Sahih al-Bukhari 6069). You can speak about your struggle and recovery without describing sins in detail, and keep your repentance between you and Allah.
If you prefer a Muslim-led group, some 12-step fellowships, such as Millati Islami, are designed for Muslims. For other advice on joining a group, see Can I join a support group like AA as a Muslim?
- Attending AA is allowed and helpful for a Muslim in recovery.
- Your "higher power" is Allah, and you can skip any ritual that conflicts with Islam.
- Share your story without detailing sins, and keep repentance between you and Allah.
- Muslim-led and online groups are available if you prefer.
People also ask
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Yes, in most cases you can give a eulogy at a non-Muslim funeral. Speak kindly about the person, but avoid leading or joining another faith's worship.
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Flowers on graves are not usually done in Islam; many scholars discourage them. Dua, charity and visiting the grave are the better gifts for the dead.
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Yes, you can go to rehab as a Muslim. Getting help for alcohol, drug or gambling addiction is what Islam wants, and relapse doesn't end repentance.
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