The Book of Drinks - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5728

Textual Analysis

The prophetic statement "Every intoxicant is unlawful" employs comprehensive terminology (kullu) that encompasses all substances that cause intoxication, regardless of their source - whether derived from grapes, dates, wheat, barley, or any other origin.

This absolute prohibition establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence: whatever clouds the intellect and diminishes consciousness is categorically forbidden.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The prohibition applies equally to small and large quantities, as even a minimal amount that causes intoxication remains unlawful. Scholars have established that whatever intoxicates in large quantities is also forbidden in small amounts.

This ruling extends beyond alcoholic beverages to include modern intoxicants and narcotics, as they share the essential characteristic of impairing mental faculties.

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

Intoxicants lead to the neglect of religious obligations, damage social relations, cause harm to health and wealth, and remove the protective barrier of modesty and reason that Allah has granted humanity.

The preservation of intellect ('aql) constitutes one of the five essential objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shari'ah), making its protection a primary religious concern.