Hadith Text & Reference

"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Every intoxicant is forbidden; if a faraq of anything causes intoxication, a handful of it is forbidden."

Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 3687 | Book: Drinks (Kitab Al-Ashribah)

Terminology Explanation

Intoxicant (Khamr): In Islamic jurisprudence, this refers to any substance that clouds the mind and impairs judgment, regardless of its source.

Faraq: A specific measurement equivalent to approximately 16 ratls (roughly 15-20 liters in modern measurements), representing a large quantity.

Handful: Symbolizes even the smallest amount, demonstrating the comprehensive prohibition.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The prohibition applies universally to all intoxicating substances, whether derived from grapes, dates, wheat, or any other source.

The ruling extends to both large quantities that cause intoxication and minute amounts, preventing any potential loopholes.

This establishes the principle of precaution (sadd al-dhara'i) in Islamic law, blocking means that could lead to prohibited ends.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi explains: "The wisdom behind prohibiting small amounts is to prevent gradual habituation and to completely close the door to intoxication."

Ibn Qudamah states in al-Mughni: "This hadith demonstrates that what matters is the intoxicating quality itself, not the substance's origin or name."

Al-Qurtubi comments: "The prohibition of a handful when a faraq intoxicates shows that Islam seeks to eliminate the root causes of sin, not merely regulate its consumption."

Practical Implications

This ruling prohibits all alcoholic beverages, drugs, and any substance that alters mental faculties.

It forbids both consumption and trade in intoxicants, as established in other authentic narrations.

The prohibition includes using intoxicants as medicine unless no permissible alternative exists and it is prescribed by a knowledgeable Muslim physician.