The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5698

"Intoxicants are unlawful in small or large amounts."

Textual Analysis

This hadith establishes the absolute prohibition of all intoxicating substances in Islam. The phrase "small or large amounts" indicates that even minimal quantities that do not cause full intoxication are forbidden.

The Arabic term used for intoxicants is "khamr," which classically refers to fermented grape juice, but scholars have extended this ruling to all substances that cause intoxication regardless of their source.

Legal Rulings

The consensus of classical scholars holds that any substance that clouds the mind and impairs judgment is prohibited. This includes alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and other mind-altering substances.

The prohibition applies regardless of whether the substance is consumed for medicinal purposes, unless no permissible alternative exists and it is administered under strict medical necessity.

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

Intoxicants lead to the neglect of religious obligations, damage to health, loss of wealth, family breakdown, and societal harm. They impair the intellect which Allah has honored mankind with.

The preservation of intellect is one of the five essential objectives of Islamic law, making the prohibition of intoxicants a matter of protecting fundamental human dignity.