If a muslim drinks alcohol (not wine) and does not get drunk, will his prayers not be accepted for forty days?
Gratitude and Dua for your questionFirst things first: Alcohol is Prohibited according to direct order of the Quran along with ALL intoxicants. The word used for the prohibited materials is "Kham'r" which in Arabic means the piece of cloth a woman uses to cover her head and bosom. So, "Khumar" the exact word means, "That which covers senses" simply that substance which alters thinking is included in "Kham'r"Now, having agreed on the exact status of prohibition, we know that it is not ONLY alcohol per se. It is the mind altering substances that are prohibited. Substances of addiction are included under this definition. They alter thinking because of the "Seeking behavior". A common example is the irritated and unreasonable behavior of a smoker when he/she needs to smokeIf these prohibited substances are used, a Muslim has committed a "Haram" act and yes! prayers and supplications are rejected for forty days or for sometime. Mind you, it is tasting the Haram and not actually getting affected by itYour question is an interesting one. Consuming alcohol for what purpose?Recreational: HaramCuriosity induced: HaramExperimental: HaramMedicinal: Allowed if there is no substitute available because Quran permits eating Haram, if one is left without means or a choice and has no intention of disobeying but needs to save his/her lifeHope I was able to address your problem