Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) sent me and Mu'adh b. Jabal to Yemen. I said: Allah's Messenger, there is prepared in our land a wine out of barley which is known as Mizr (beer of our times) and a wine from honey which is known as Bit, (are these also forbidden? ), whereupon he said: Every intoxicant is forbidden.
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 1733e
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim demonstrates the comprehensive prohibition of all intoxicants, regardless of their source or name. The Companion's inquiry about specific beverages - Mizr (barley beer) and Bit' (honey wine) - shows the wisdom of seeking clarification from the Prophet ﷺ regarding local customs.
The Prophet's ﷺ response establishes a universal principle: "Every intoxicant is forbidden." This categorical statement leaves no room for ambiguity or exception, covering all substances that cause intoxication, whether derived from grapes, dates, barley, honey, or any other source.
Legal Rulings
The scholars of Islam have unanimously agreed upon the prohibition of all intoxicating substances based on this and similar authentic narrations. Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, emphasizes that the prohibition applies regardless of the quantity consumed - whether much or little.
The wisdom behind this comprehensive prohibition lies in preserving the human intellect ('aql), which Allah has honored. Intoxicants cloud judgment, lead to foolish behavior, damage health, waste wealth, and cause social harm. The Prophet ﷺ cursed ten categories of people associated with alcohol, demonstrating the gravity of this matter.
Contemporary Application
In our times, this ruling extends to all modern intoxicants including various alcoholic beverages, drugs, and any substance that alters the mind and clouds reasoning. The principle remains unchanged: whatever causes intoxication in large quantities is forbidden in any quantity.
Muslims must exercise caution and avoid anything that leads to intoxication or resembles intoxicants. The preservation of one's religion, mind, honor, and wealth - all protected by Islamic law - necessitates strict adherence to this prohibition.
Conclusion
This hadith serves as a timeless guidance for the Muslim community. It teaches us that the Shari'ah provides clear principles rather than merely listing prohibited items. When faced with new situations, we apply these established principles with wisdom and certainty.
May Allah grant us understanding of His religion and steadfastness in following the guidance of His Messenger ﷺ. All success comes from Allah, and He alone guides to the straight path.