I heard 'Umar b. Khattab delivering sermon on the pulpit ol Allah's messenger (ﷺ) and saying': Now, coming to the point, O people, there was revealed (the command pertaining to the prohibition of wine) and it was prepared (at that time) out of five things: grape, date, honey, wheat, barley, and wine is that which clouds the intellect, and, O people, I wish Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had explained to us in greater detail three things: the inheritance of the grandfather, of one who dies without leaving any issue, and some of the problems of interest.
The Book of Commentary on the Qur'an
By Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 3032 b
Commentary on the Prohibition of Intoxicants
The noble companion 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) clarifies that intoxicating drinks (khamr) were prohibited through gradual revelation, and they originate from five sources: grapes, dates, honey, wheat, and barley. This comprehensive definition establishes that any substance causing intoxication, regardless of its source, falls under the prohibition.
The phrase "wine is that which clouds the intellect" demonstrates the wisdom behind the prohibition - preservation of human intellect ('aql) which Allah has honored. When any substance causes clouding of judgment, it becomes unlawful, following the principle established by the Prophet: "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden."
Scholarly Insights on Unresolved Matters
'Umar's expression of wishing for greater clarification on three matters shows the companions' meticulous approach to Islamic jurisprudence. The inheritance of the grandfather involves complex scenarios when competing with brothers. The case of one dying without direct heirs (kalalah) refers to Qur'anic verses that required further elaboration.
The mention of "some problems of interest" indicates that while the general prohibition of riba was established, specific commercial transactions required detailed rulings. This narration highlights how divine revelation addressed matters progressively, and the companions' earnest desire for complete understanding of Allah's law.