The Quranic verse :”O ye who believe ,approach not prayer with minds befogged until you can understand all they say,” and the verse: “They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin and some profit for men ,” were repeated by the verse in Surat al-Ma’idah: ”O ye who believe, intoxicants and gambling,(dedication) stones.
Quranic Progression on Intoxicants
The initial revelation in Surah An-Nisa advised believers not to approach prayer while intoxicated, establishing a temporal restriction rather than absolute prohibition. This pedagogical approach allowed gradual spiritual preparation.
The subsequent revelation in Surah Al-Baqarah acknowledged both harm and benefit in intoxicants while emphasizing the greater sin, creating moral discernment before the final prohibition.
Final Abrogation in Surah Al-Ma'idah
The complete prohibition in Surah Al-Ma'idah represents the final divine legislation, abrogating previous permissions. This definitive ruling classifies intoxicants among the major sins alongside gambling and idolatry.
Scholars unanimously agree this verse established the permanent prohibition of all intoxicating substances, as recorded in authentic collections including Sunan Abi Dawud from the chapter "Drinks (Kitab Al-Ashribah)" specifically hadith Sunan Abi Dawud 3672.
Wisdom of Gradual Prohibition
Classical commentators note the divine wisdom in this gradual approach, allowing a society deeply immersed in alcohol consumption to gradually wean itself rather than face immediate prohibition.
This methodology reflects Islam's practical approach to legislation, considering human nature and social realities while ultimately guiding toward spiritual purity and clear-minded devotion.