The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5594

The Prophet [SAW] was asked about mead and he said: "Every drink that intoxicates is unlawful." And mead is a drink made of honey.

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding intoxicating substances. The Prophet's response demonstrates that the prohibition is not limited to grape wine (khamr) but extends to any substance that causes intoxication, regardless of its source.

Mead, being a fermented honey drink, falls under this comprehensive prohibition when it reaches the state of intoxication. The scholars of Islam have unanimously agreed that whatever intoxicates in large quantities is prohibited even in small quantities, as the Messenger of Allah said in another narration: "Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, then a small amount of it is forbidden."

This ruling applies to all alcoholic beverages - whether derived from grapes, dates, honey, wheat, or any other substance. The wisdom behind this prohibition is the preservation of intellect, which Allah has honored mankind with, and the prevention of harm that results from intoxication.

Legal Implications

The prohibition includes consumption, production, sale, and transportation of intoxicants. This comprehensive approach ensures the protection of society from the spiritual, physical, and social harms of intoxication.

Scholars have derived from this hadith that the criterion for prohibition is the intoxicating effect itself, not the substance's origin. Therefore, modern alcoholic beverages, regardless of their base ingredients, fall under this same prohibition.