The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5591

"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Every drink that intoxicates is unlawful.'" Qutaibah (one of the narrators) said: "From the Prophet [SAW]."

Commentary on the Prohibition

This hadith establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic law regarding intoxicants. The phrase "every drink that intoxicates" employs comprehensive language indicating that the prohibition is universal and absolute, regardless of the substance's origin - whether from grapes, dates, wheat, or any other source.

Scholars from all madhahib agree that this narration forms the basis for prohibiting all intoxicating substances. The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in preserving the human intellect ('aql), which Allah has honored and made the foundation for religious responsibility (taklif).

Legal Implications and Scope

The prohibition extends beyond mere consumption to include production, transportation, and trade of intoxicants. Imam al-Nawawi comments that even a small amount of an intoxicating substance is forbidden if consuming larger quantities causes intoxication.

This ruling applies regardless of whether the drink is called wine, beer, or any other name, and whether it is consumed in small or large quantities. The determining factor is the intoxicating quality of the substance itself.

Spiritual Dimensions

Intoxicants distance the believer from the remembrance of Allah and prayer, cloud the intellect meant for reflection upon creation, and often lead to greater sins. The preservation of mind is among the five essential objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shari'ah).

Ibn al-Qayyim elucidates that whatever impairs the intellect temporarily impairs one's relationship with the Creator during that period, thus making it incompatible with the state of worship required of a Muslim.