I used to offer drinks prepared from infused dates to Abu Talha Al-Ansari, Abu 'Ubada bin Al Jarrah and Ubai bin Ka`b. Then a person came to them and said, "All alcoholic drinks have been prohibited." Abii Talha then said, "O Anas! Get up and break all these jars." So I got up and took a mortar belonging to us, and hit the jars with its lower part till they broke.
Accepting Information Given by a Truthful Person
Sahih al-Bukhari 7253
Contextual Background
This narration from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) describes the immediate implementation of the prohibition of intoxicants during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The companions mentioned - Abu Talha al-Ansari, Abu 'Ubada bin Al-Jarrah, and Ubai bin Ka'b - were among the eminent companions known for their piety and strict adherence to Islamic teachings.
Scholarly Commentary
The swift action of breaking the jars containing date-wine demonstrates the principle of immediate compliance with divine commandments. Classical scholars emphasize that when authentic news of prohibition reaches a Muslim, they must act upon it without delay or hesitation.
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes the obligation to destroy prohibited substances when their prohibition becomes certain, preventing any potential use or benefit from them. The companions did not wait for confirmation or make excuses, showing complete submission to Allah's command.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that the use of a mortar to break the jars indicates the seriousness with which they treated the prohibition, ensuring complete destruction of the intoxicants.
Legal Rulings Derived
This narration establishes several important Islamic legal principles: the obligation to immediately cease all prohibited activities upon receiving authentic information, the requirement to destroy instruments of sin, and the acceptance of news from a single truthful transmitter (khabar al-wahid).
Scholars derive from this that when a trustworthy person conveys a ruling from the Quran or Sunnah, it must be accepted and implemented without requiring multiple witnesses or extensive verification, provided the transmitter is known for reliability and truthfulness.
Spiritual Lessons
The companions' immediate response exemplifies perfect faith (iman) and demonstrates that true belief manifests in prompt obedience to divine commands. Their actions teach Muslims to prioritize Allah's pleasure over worldly possessions and comforts.
This incident also illustrates the importance of having righteous companions who encourage one another towards obedience and help in abandoning sinful practices, reflecting the Quranic principle of "enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong."