Exposition of the Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari

This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5603 in the Book of Drinks presents a profound spiritual test during the Prophet's Night Journey (Al-Mi'raj). The two drinks symbolize the divergent paths available to humanity.

The Symbolic Nature of the Choice

The milk represents purity, natural nourishment, and the clear path of guidance (Al-Fitra). The wine symbolizes intoxication, worldly deception, and deviation from the straight path.

Al-Qurtubi comments that this choice demonstrates how Allah presents clear distinctions between truth and falsehood, making the right path evident to those of sound intellect.

The Prophet's Selection and Its Meaning

When the Messenger of Allah chose the milk, Jibril declared: "You have chosen the Fitrah (natural disposition). Had you chosen the wine, your nation would have gone astray."

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this incident established the prohibition of intoxicants in principle, even before the formal revelation of its prohibition, demonstrating the Prophet's innate guidance.

Scholarly Commentary on the Implications

Al-Nawawi states that this event confirms the superiority of what is pure and wholesome over what is corrupting and harmful. The Prophet's instinctive choice reflects his perfect character and divine guidance.

Ibn al-Qayyim observes that just as the Prophet was given this choice spiritually, every Muslim faces similar choices between purity and corruption in their daily lives, and should follow the Prophet's example.