Hadith Text & Context

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whatever a lot of it intoxicates, a little of it is unlawful."

This narration is recorded in The Book on Drinks by Jami' at-Tirmidhi, specifically in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1865, through the chain of Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him).

Abu 'Eisa at-Tirmidhi himself graded this hadith as "Hasan Gharib" in its transmission through Jabir, indicating it is sound yet reported through limited chains.

Scholarly Commentary

This profound legal principle establishes that any substance which causes intoxication when consumed in large quantities is entirely prohibited, even in minute amounts. The wisdom behind this ruling is to block the means (sadd al-dhara'i') to sin and protect the Muslim's intellect and religion.

Classical scholars explain that this applies to all intoxicating substances - whether derived from grapes, dates, wheat, or other sources. The prohibition is comprehensive, covering both the intoxicant itself and any quantity that could lead to intoxication.

The principle extends beyond alcoholic drinks to include modern intoxicants and drugs, as they share the same essential characteristic of impairing the intellect, which Allah has honored and made a basis for religious accountability.

Related Narrations & Scope

As mentioned in the text, similar narrations exist from numerous Companions including Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, 'Aishah, 'Abdullah bin 'Amr, Ibn 'Umar, and Khawwat bin Jubair, demonstrating the wide acceptance and multiple attestation of this legal principle among the early Muslim community.

This ruling applies to all forms of consumption - drinking, eating, injection, or inhalation - confirming the comprehensive nature of Islamic legislation in preserving human dignity and religious commitment.