He who drank wine in the world and did not repent would be deprived of it (the pure drink) in the Hereafter. It was said to Malik: Is this hadith Marfu'? He said: Yes.
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 2003 f
He who drank wine in the world and did not repent would be deprived of it (the pure drink) in the Hereafter. It was said to Malik: Is this hadith Marfu'? He said: Yes.
Commentary on the Prohibition
This noble hadith establishes the severe consequence for those who consume intoxicants without repentance. Wine (khamr) refers to all substances that cause intoxication, as established by the principle: "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden."
The deprivation mentioned refers to being barred from the pure drinks of Paradise described in the Quran: "rivers of water unpolluted, rivers of milk unchanging in flavor, and rivers of wine delicious to those who drink" (47:15). This constitutes a profound spiritual loss for the unrepentant sinner.
The Requirement of Repentance
The condition of repentance (tawbah) is essential for divine forgiveness. True repentance requires: ceasing the sin, regretting past commission, resolving never to return to it, and restoring rights if others were wronged. Without these conditions, mere verbal apology holds no weight before Allah.
Imam Malik's confirmation that this is a Marfu' hadith (attributed directly to the Prophet) elevates its authority and removes any doubt about its authenticity. This classification makes the ruling binding upon the ummah.
Legal Implications
This hadith reinforces the absolute prohibition of intoxicants in Islamic law. The worldly punishment for drinking established by the Shariah serves as a deterrent, while the hereafter consequence motivates spiritual vigilance.
Scholars emphasize that this deprivation applies specifically to the alcoholic beverages of Paradise, not to other delights. This targeted punishment reflects the divine justice of being deprived in the afterlife of what one unlawfully consumed in worldly life.