Hadith Text and Context

'A'isha reported that when God's Messenger was asked about bit', which is the nabidh from honey, he replied, "Every liquor which intoxicates is forbidden." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Nabidh refers to drinks made from dates, raisins, honey, wheat, barley, etc. The ingredients were steeped in water in a vessel, and provided the drink was used before fermentation took place it was lawful.

Scholarly Commentary on the Prohibition

This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that any substance causing intoxication is prohibited in Islam, regardless of its source. The Prophet's response transcends the specific query about honey-based nabidh to provide a universal ruling.

The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in preserving human intellect ('aql), which Allah has honored. Intoxication leads to the loss of reason, improper behavior, neglect of religious duties, and harm to oneself and others.

Legal Rulings Derived

Scholars unanimously agree that all intoxicating beverages are forbidden (haram), whether derived from grapes, dates, honey, wheat, or any other substance.

The prohibition extends beyond consumption to include production, sale, transportation, and serving of intoxicants. Even small quantities that do not cause intoxication are forbidden as they may lead to consumption of larger intoxicating amounts.

The permissibility of nabidh before fermentation emphasizes that the intoxicating quality, not the substance itself, determines the ruling. Once fermentation begins and intoxicating potential exists, the drink becomes prohibited.

Practical Application

Muslims must avoid all substances that cloud the mind or alter consciousness, including modern alcoholic beverages, drugs, and any intoxicating preparations.

The principle extends to medications containing alcohol unless medically necessary with no available alternatives, and even then, only in minimal required amounts under medical supervision.