What Has Been Related About Grains (And Berries) From Which Khamr Is Derived — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1875

Overview & Central Theme

This hadith, recorded by Imam At-Tirmidhi in *The Book on Drinks* (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1875), establishes a foundational principle in Islamic jurisprudence: the term *khamr* (intoxicant) is specifically and primarily associated with two sources—the date palm and the grape vine. The Prophet ﷺ clarifies that these two plants are the archetypal origins of intoxicating beverages, thereby setting a clear benchmark for identifying what constitutes *khamr* in its classical sense. The central theme is not merely a botanical classification but a legal and ethical demarcation: any substance derived from these sources that intoxicates is unequivocally *khamr*, and by extension, the prohibition extends to all intoxicants, regardless of their origin, as the underlying wisdom is the preservation of intellect and moral integrity.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith was narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), a prolific companion known for his meticulous preservation of Prophetic sayings. The term *khamr* (خمر) linguistically derives from the root *khamara* (خمر), meaning "to cover" or "to conceal," signifying that intoxicants obscure the intellect. The Prophet ﷺ specifically mentions *an-nakhl* (date palm) and *al-'inab* (grape), which were the primary sources of intoxicating drinks in Arabia at the time, such as *nabidh* (fermented date drink) and *khamr* from grapes. Imam At-Tirmidhi classifies this narration as *Hasan Sahih*, and he further notes the chain details, identifying Abu Kathir As-Suhaimi (Yazid bin 'Abdur-Rahman bin Ghufailah) and the transmission of Shu'bah from 'Ikrimah bin 'Ammar, underscoring the reliability of the report. The linguistic nuance here emphasizes that while *khamr* is explicitly named for these two sources, the legal principle extends via analogy (*qiyas*) to any intoxicating substance, as later clarified by the Prophet ﷺ in other narrations: "Every intoxicant is *khamr*, and every intoxicant is forbidden" (Sahih Muslim).

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Jurisprudential Foundation: The hadith establishes that *khamr* is definitively derived from dates and grapes, making any beverage from these sources that intoxicates—whether raw, cooked, or fermented—unlawful (*haram*), regardless of the quantity consumed, as the maxim states: "What intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount is forbidden."
• Ethical Principle of Intellect Preservation: The prohibition underscores Islam's emphasis on safeguarding the intellect (*'aql*), one of the five essential objectives (*Maqasid al-Shari'ah*). By specifying these two sources, the Prophet ﷺ highlights that the primary means of intoxication in his era were these plants, thereby warning against all similar intoxicants.
• Classical Consensus & Extension: The four major schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali) unanimously agree that *khamr* from dates and grapes is impure (*najis*) and prohibited, and they extend this ruling to all intoxicants via analogy, as narrated in Sahih Muslim: "Every intoxicant is *khamr*, and every intoxicant is forbidden."

"The wisdom in specifying these two trees is that they were the primary sources of intoxicants among the Arabs. The ruling is not restricted to them, but rather, the Prophet ﷺ pointed to the most common examples, and the principle remains general: every intoxicating substance is *khamr* and thus forbidden." — Imam An-Nawawi, *Sharh Sahih Muslim*.

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In contemporary life, this hadith serves as a timeless reminder of the Islamic stance on intoxicants. While the specific mention of dates and grapes reflects the historical context, the underlying principle compels a Muslim to avoid all substances that impair the intellect, including alcohol, recreational drugs, and even excessive consumption of permissible items that lead to intoxication. Practically, one must exercise vigilance in dietary choices, social gatherings, and even in the use of products containing alcohol or intoxicating extracts. Spiritually, this teaching cultivates mindfulness (*taqwa*) and self-discipline, recognizing that the intellect is a divine trust (*amanah*) that must be protected. By abstaining from intoxicants, a Muslim honors the purpose of creation—worship and reflection—and upholds the Prophetic command to "leave what causes doubt for what does not cause doubt" (At-Tirmidhi), thereby achieving excellence (*ihsan*) in both action and intention.