Hadith Text

"Every intoxicant is Khamr and every intoxicant is forbidden. He who drinks wine in this world and dies while he is addicted to it, not having repented, will not be given a drink in the Hereafter."

Source Reference

The Book of Drinks, Sahih Muslim, Hadith: Sahih Muslim 2003 a

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith establishes the comprehensive prohibition of all intoxicating substances. The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that every intoxicant falls under the category of Khamr (wine), thereby extending the prohibition beyond mere grape wine to include all substances that cloud the intellect.

The term "Khamr" linguistically means "that which covers" - referring to how intoxication veils the soundness of mind. This comprehensive definition ensures that no intoxicant escapes prohibition based on technicalities of its source or method of production.

The severe warning in the second part emphasizes the spiritual consequences. Being deprived of drink in Paradise symbolizes complete exclusion from divine mercy. This punishment specifically applies to those who persist in this sin until death without sincere repentance (tawbah), demonstrating the gravity of dying upon disobedience.

Scholars emphasize that repentance requires: abandoning the sin, regretting past commission, and firm resolve not to return to it. If the intoxicant was consumed unlawfully, restitution may be required where applicable.

Legal Implications

This hadith forms the foundation for the prohibition of all modern intoxicants including drugs, narcotics, and alcoholic beverages regardless of their form or name.

The ruling applies equally to small and large quantities if the substance is inherently intoxicating when consumed in larger amounts.

Muslim jurists derive from this that any substance causing loss of mental faculties is prohibited, protecting both individual welfare and social harmony.