The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 2001 b

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from the Mother of the Believers, 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her), transmitted in Sahih Muslim, contains a fundamental legal principle regarding intoxicants.

The Comprehensive Prohibition

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established a universal criterion: "Every intoxicant is forbidden." This ruling encompasses all substances - whether liquid or solid, derived from grapes, dates, wheat, or any other source - that cause clouding of the intellect and loss of proper reasoning.

The wisdom behind this comprehensive prohibition lies in preserving the human intellect (al-'aql), which Allah has honored and made the foundation for legal responsibility (taklif). Intoxicants lead to the neglect of religious obligations, instigate enmity and hatred between people, and cause harm to both individual and society.

Legal Implications and Scope

This hadith demonstrates that the prohibition is not limited to specific substances but applies to the intoxicating effect itself. Scholars have derived from this that even small quantities are forbidden if they lead to intoxication when consumed in larger amounts.

The prohibition extends beyond mere consumption to include production, sale, transportation, and any facilitation of intoxicants. This comprehensive approach ensures complete protection of society from the evils of intoxication.

Spiritual Dimensions

Intoxicants distance the believer from the remembrance of Allah and prayer, as stated in the Qur'an. They represent a barrier between the servant and his Lord, corrupting the heart and preventing spiritual growth.

The believer's body is a trust from Allah, and preserving its health and faculties is a religious obligation. Avoiding intoxicants is thus an act of worship that draws one closer to Allah and protects the dignity Islam has granted to humanity.