Give good tidings to the (people). and make things easy (for them), teach (them), and do not repel (them) ; and I think he also said: Cooperate cheerfully with each other. When he (the Holy Prophet) turned his back, Abu Musa returned to him and said: Allah's Messenger, they (the people of Yemen) have a drink which is (made) from honey and which is prepared by cooking it until it coagulates, and Mizr is prepared from barley, whereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Every intoxicant that detains you from prayer is forbidden.
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 1733f
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from Sahih Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding intoxicants and the prophetic methodology of da'wah.
Context and Background
This hadith occurs when the Prophet (ﷺ) sent Abu Musa al-Ash'ari and Mu'adh ibn Jabal to Yemen. The initial instruction demonstrates the comprehensive approach to calling people to Islam: giving glad tidings, facilitating ease in religious matters, and gradual teaching without causing aversion.
The Yemeni people had traditional drinks made from honey (bit') and barley (mizr), which they consumed regularly. When Abu Musa sought clarification about these specific beverages, the Prophet delivered the definitive ruling.
Scholarly Commentary on the Prohibition
The phrase "every intoxicant that detains you from prayer is forbidden" establishes a universal principle in Islamic jurisprudence. Scholars like Imam al-Nawawi explain that this encompasses all substances that cause intoxication, regardless of their source - whether from grapes, dates, honey, barley, or any other substance.
The criterion of "detaining from prayer" indicates that even if one could theoretically pray while intoxicated, the mere state of intoxication that would normally prevent proper prayer performance is sufficient for prohibition. This reflects the wisdom of Islamic law in preserving human intellect and religious observance.
Legal Implications and Rulings
According to the consensus of scholars (ijma'), all intoxicating substances are considered khamr and are strictly prohibited. The Hanafi school emphasizes that even a small amount of intoxicant is forbidden, while other schools differentiate between small and large quantities, though all agree on the prohibition of consumption to the point of intoxication.
The comprehensive nature of this prohibition extends to modern substances like drugs and alcohol, as they share the same essential characteristic of impairing intellect and religious consciousness.
Pedagogical Wisdom
The Prophet's initial general advice before the specific question about drinks demonstrates the methodology of beginning with broader principles before addressing specific cases. This approach prevents overwhelming new Muslims with detailed rulings before they grasp fundamental beliefs and practices.
The companions' practice of returning for clarification shows the importance of seeking knowledge and ensuring correct understanding, especially regarding matters that affect daily life and worship.