Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited.

Source Reference

Book: Drinks (Kitab Al-Ashribah)

Author: Sunan Abi Dawud

Hadith: Sunan Abi Dawud 3681

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes a fundamental legal principle (qā'idah fiqhiyyah) in Islamic jurisprudence regarding intoxicants. Scholars explain that the prohibition applies to any substance that causes intoxication when consumed in large quantities, regardless of the amount consumed. This principle prevents legal loopholes and ensures complete avoidance of intoxicants.

Classical scholars like Imam al-Nawawi stated that this ruling applies to all intoxicating substances, whether liquid or solid. The wisdom behind this prohibition is to protect the mind, preserve dignity, and prevent the harms that result from intoxication. Even minute quantities are forbidden to eliminate the pathway to greater consumption.

The Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools of jurisprudence all agree on this principle, though they may differ in some detailed applications. This comprehensive approach reflects the Islamic objective of completely closing all doors to evil and protecting the Muslim community from the spiritual and social harms of intoxicants.