The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5587

"The Prophet [SAW] said: 'Every intoxicant is unlawful.'"

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic prohibition against all intoxicating substances. The comprehensive term "kullu" (every) leaves no room for exception, encompassing wine, beer, spirits, and any substance that clouds the intellect.

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this prohibition extends beyond mere consumption to include production, transportation, and trade of intoxicants. The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in preserving human intellect ('aql), which Allah has honored mankind with above other creation.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the prohibition applies regardless of quantity - whether small or large amounts - as even a little can lead to much. This ruling protects both individual spiritual purity and social harmony, preventing the consequences of impaired judgment.

The scholars of jurisprudence unanimously agree that this hadith forms the basis for classifying all intoxicants as khamr (wine), making them categorically haram (unlawful) in Islamic law.