Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sent me and Mu'adh to Yemen saying: Call people (to the path of righteousness) and give good tidings to the (people), and do not repel them, make things easy for them and do not make things difficult. I (Burda) said: Allah's Messenger, give us a religious verdict about two kinds of drinks which we prepare in Yemen. One is Bit' which is prepared from honey; it is a fermented Nabidh and is strong and turns into wine, and (the second is) Mizr which is prepared from millet and barley. Thereupon, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), who had been gifted with the most eloquent and pithy expressions, said: I forbid you from every intoxicant that keeps you away from prayer.
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 1733g
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding intoxicants and the methodology of da'wah (inviting to Islam). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrates perfect pedagogical approach by first establishing general principles of calling to Allah before addressing specific questions.
Principles of Islamic Propagation
The Messenger's instruction "Call people and give good tidings, and do not repel them" establishes the fundamental approach to Islamic propagation: beginning with glad tidings rather than threats, using wisdom and beautiful preaching.
"Make things easy and do not make things difficult" reflects the Islamic principle of removing hardship (raf' al-haraj) and demonstrates the compassionate nature of this religion, facilitating worship rather than creating obstacles.
The Nature of Intoxicants
The companion's query about Bit' (fermented honey drink) and Mizr (barley/millet brew) shows the early Muslims' concern for religious purity. The Prophet's response transcends specific beverages to establish a universal principle: "I forbid you from every intoxicant that keeps you away from prayer."
Scholars have derived from this that any substance causing intoxication, regardless of its source, is prohibited. The criterion is the effect - if it causes mental alteration preventing proper prayer, it is forbidden. This includes modern alcoholic beverages and drugs.
Legal Methodology
The Prophet's response demonstrates the Islamic legal principle of moving from specific to general rulings. Rather than listing every possible intoxicant, he established a comprehensive rule covering all substances with intoxicating effects.
This approach prevents legal loopholes and ensures the preservation of both faith and reason - the two great trusts Allah has given humanity. The protection of prayer, Islam's central pillar, is prioritized above temporary worldly pleasures.