The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5600

"Umar bin 'Abdul-Aziz wrote to us, saying: 'Do not drink the thickened juice of grapes (obtained by boiling it down) until two-third of it has gone and one-third is left. And every intoxicant is unlawful.'"

Commentary on the Prohibition

This narration from the righteous caliph Umar bin Abdul-Aziz establishes two fundamental principles regarding intoxicants. First, it prohibits consuming grape juice that has been reduced by boiling until only one-third remains, as this concentrated form readily ferments into intoxicating wine.

Second, it articulates the comprehensive Islamic principle that every substance causing intoxication is unlawful (haram), regardless of its source. This extends beyond grape juice to include date wine, wheat beer, and all other intoxicating substances.

Scholarly Interpretation

The classical scholars explain that the prohibition applies when the boiled grape juice reaches a concentration where fermentation becomes likely. The ruling serves as a preventive measure (sadd al-dhara'i) to block the means to intoxication.

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the wisdom of the early Muslims in establishing safeguards against intoxicants. The reduction requirement ensures the juice remains in a state that cannot easily become wine.

Legal Implications

This teaching forms part of the broader Islamic prohibition against khamr (intoxicants). The ruling applies by analogy to all juices and substances that could become intoxicating through concentration or fermentation.

The phrase "every intoxicant is unlawful" represents a definitive text that closes any potential loopholes. Scholars unanimously agree that whatever causes intoxication in large quantities is prohibited in small quantities as well.