The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5597

"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Every intoxicant is unlawful.'"

Textual Analysis

This hadith employs the comprehensive term "kullu" (every) which in Islamic legal terminology denotes universality and inclusiveness, leaving no room for exceptions.

The word "muskir" (intoxicant) refers to any substance that clouds the intellect, regardless of its source - whether from grapes, dates, wheat, or any other origin.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The prohibition established here is absolute and categorical (haram muṭlaq), applying to all intoxicating substances in any quantity.

Scholars have derived from this that even small amounts of intoxicants are forbidden, as they may lead to consuming larger quantities.

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

Intoxicants corrupt the mind - Allah's greatest trust to humanity - preventing proper worship and rational judgment.

They lead to neglect of religious duties, damage social relations, and cause harm to health and wealth, all of which Islam seeks to preserve.

Scholarly Consensus

There is unanimous agreement (ijmā') among the four schools of jurisprudence that all intoxicating drinks are strictly prohibited.

This prohibition extends to modern substances like narcotics and drugs, which share the same intoxicating effect.