The Prophet (ﷺ) sent my father and Mu`adh bin Jabal to Yemen and said (to them), "Make things easy for the people and do not put hurdles in their way, and give them glad tiding, and don't let them have aversion (i.e. to make people to hate good deeds) and you both should work in cooperation and mutual understanding" Abu Musa said to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), "In our country a special alcoholic drink called Al- Bit', is prepared (for drinking)." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every intoxicant is prohibited. "
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7172 describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sending Abu Musa al-Ash'ari and Mu'adh ibn Jabal as governors and judges to Yemen, providing them with comprehensive guidance on dealing with people with wisdom and compassion.
Scholarly Commentary on the Main Principles
The instruction "Make things easy and do not put hurdles" establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of taysīr (facilitation) in religious matters. Scholars like Imam Nawawi explain this means avoiding unnecessary strictness and considering people's circumstances.
"Give glad tidings" refers to beginning with encouragement before warning, making faith attractive to people's hearts. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this approach softens hearts and makes religious acceptance easier.
The prohibition against making people "have aversion" means religious teachers should not present Islam in a way that causes people to dislike good deeds through excessive demands or harshness.
The command to "work in cooperation and mutual understanding" emphasizes collective consultation (shūrā) and unity among scholars and leaders in implementing Islamic rulings.
Legal Ruling on Intoxicants
When Abu Musa inquired about a specific Yemeni drink called Al-Bit', the Prophet (ﷺ) gave the universal ruling: "Every intoxicant is prohibited." Classical scholars like Imam Qurtubi explain this establishes the principle that whatever causes intoxication in large quantities is forbidden even in small quantities.
This comprehensive prohibition closes all potential loopholes and demonstrates that Islamic rulings are based on essential qualities (being intoxicating) rather than specific names or forms.
Practical Implementation
Scholars derive from this hadith that Islamic propagation should combine ease in implementation with firmness in principles. While the fundamentals remain non-negotiable, their application should consider human capacity and circumstances.
The methodology presented shows the balanced approach required from Islamic teachers and rulers: compassionate in manner, clear in guidance, cooperative in implementation, and unwavering in fundamental prohibitions.