Hadith Text & Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade wine (khamr), game of chance (maysir), drum (kubah), and wine made from millet (ghubayrah), saying: Every intoxicant is forbidden.

Abu Dawud said: Ibn Sallam Abu 'Ubaid said: Ghubairah was an intoxicant liquor made from millet. This wine was made by the Abyssinians.

Scholarly Commentary on Prohibitions

The comprehensive prohibition encompasses all intoxicants regardless of source. Khamr specifically refers to grape wine, while the mention of ghubayrah extends the ruling to other substances.

Maysir (gambling) is prohibited due to its consumption of wealth falsely and creating enmity. The drum (kubah) represents musical instruments that accompany sinful gatherings.

The principle "every intoxicant is forbidden" establishes that any substance causing intoxication, regardless of its form or name, falls under the prohibition of khamr.

Legal Implications & Wisdom

This hadith forms the foundation for the prohibition of all intoxicants in Islamic law. Scholars derive that whatever intoxicates in large quantities is forbidden even in small amounts.

The wisdom behind these prohibitions includes preservation of intellect, protection of wealth, maintenance of social order, and prevention of activities that lead to greater sins.

The grouping of these prohibitions indicates their interconnected nature in corrupting individual morality and social harmony.