I was the cup-bearer of some people in the house of Abu Talha on the day when liquor was forbidden. Their liquor had been prepared from dry dates or fresh dates when the announcer made the announcement. He (Abu Talha) said to me: Go out and find out (what the announcement is). I got out (and found) an announcer making this announcement: Behold, liquor has been declared unlawful. He said: The liquor (was spilt and) flawed in the lanes of Medina. Abu Talha said to me: Go out and Spill it, and I spilt it. They said or some of them said: Such and such were killed, such and such were killed for (the wine) had been in their stomachs. He (the narrator) said. I do not know whether it is the narration transmitted by Anas, (or by someone else). Then Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, revealed:" There shall be no sin (imputed) unto those who have believed and done good works for what they may have eaten as long as they fear (Allah) and believe and do good works" (v. 93).
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 1980a
This narration from Anas ibn Malik describes the momentous occasion when intoxicants were prohibited in Islam. As the cup-bearer in Abu Talha's household, Anas witnessed firsthand the immediate implementation of this divine command.
Historical Context of Prohibition
The prohibition occurred during a gathering where liquor made from dates was being served. The sudden announcement caused immediate action - Abu Talha ordered the destruction of all intoxicants, demonstrating complete submission to Allah's command without hesitation.
The spilling of wine in Medina's streets symbolizes the Ummah's collective abandonment of intoxicants, showing remarkable obedience to divine legislation.
Divine Mercy in Legislation
Allah's wisdom is manifest in the subsequent revelation of Quran 5:93, which absolves believers from sin for what they consumed before the prohibition. This demonstrates Islam's gradual approach to legislation and Allah's mercy toward those who acted in ignorance before the ruling was revealed.
The verse emphasizes that true piety lies in fearing Allah after knowledge comes, believing sincerely, and performing righteous deeds - showing that divine judgment considers circumstances and intentions.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this hadith establishes several principles: the immediate obligation to abandon prohibited matters once known, the collective responsibility to eradicate evil, and Allah's compassion in not punishing for past actions before prohibition.
The incident also illustrates the Companions' exemplary character - their instant compliance without question serves as a model for all Muslims in submitting to divine commandments.