"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Every intoxicant is unlawful and every intoxicant is Khamr.'"
Hadith Text & Context
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Every intoxicant is unlawful and every intoxicant is Khamr.'" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5701)
This profound hadith from The Book of Drinks establishes the fundamental Islamic prohibition against all intoxicating substances, categorizing them under the comprehensive term "Khamr."
Linguistic Analysis
The term "Khamr" linguistically means "that which covers" - referring to how intoxication veils the intellect and proper judgment. Scholars explain this encompasses any substance that clouds the mind, regardless of its source or form.
The repetition "every intoxicant is Khamr" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this prohibition, leaving no room for legal loopholes or exceptions based on the substance's origin.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
Imam an-Nawawi and other classical scholars derived from this hadith that all intoxicants are absolutely forbidden (haram), whether consumed in small or large quantities.
The prohibition extends beyond mere consumption to include production, distribution, and any facilitation of intoxicants. This comprehensive ban protects both individual intellect and social harmony.
Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
Intoxicants lead to the loss of reason - Allah's greatest gift to humanity. They cause neglect of prayer, promote immoral behavior, and destroy family and social relationships.
As Imam al-Ghazali noted, preserving the intellect ('aql) is among the five essential objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shari'ah), making this prohibition a matter of fundamental religious protection.
Contemporary Application
Modern scholars unanimously apply this ruling to all narcotics, drugs, and alcoholic beverages, regardless of their names or cultural acceptance. The intoxicating effect, not the substance's name, determines the ruling.
This hadith serves as eternal guidance, protecting Muslims from the physical, spiritual, and social harms of intoxication throughout changing times and circumstances.