The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5662

The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "If he becomes drunk, whip him; then if he becomes drunk, whip him; then if he becomes drunk, whip him." Then he said concerning the fourth time, "Strike his neck (i.e., kill him)."

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the graduated punishment for habitual intoxication in Islamic law. The initial three instances mandate corporal punishment (flogging) as a corrective measure, demonstrating Islam's emphasis on reformation and giving the offender opportunities to repent.

The capital punishment prescribed for the fourth offense indicates the gravity of persistent disobedience in matters that corrupt both individual morality and social order. Classical scholars interpret this as applying to one who treats divine prohibitions with contempt through repeated violations.

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this ruling applies specifically to the unrepentant, habitual drunkard who demonstrates disregard for Allah's boundaries. The majority of scholars hold that this punishment requires proper Islamic judicial proceedings with due process and evidence standards.

This graduated approach balances mercy with maintaining social order, offering multiple chances for reform before implementing the ultimate sanction for those who persistently corrupt themselves and society.