بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

The Ruling on Intoxicants (Khamr) — In the Light of Hadith

What is Khamr?

“Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Every intoxicating substance is خمر (Khamr — an intoxicant), and every intoxicant is حرام (unlawful).’” (صحیح مسلم)

Even a Small Amount of Khamr is Haram:

“Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Whatever (drink) intoxicates in large quantities, even a small amount of it is also حرام (even if the small amount does not itself intoxicate).’”
(جامع ترمذی ، سنن ابو داؤد ، سنن ابن ماجه)

“Hazrat ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها narrates from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that he said: ‘The drink from which a “فرق” causes intoxication, even an amount equal to a handful (i.e., a palmful) of it is حرام.’”
(جامع ترمذی ، سنن ابن ماجه)

Clarification:
“فرق” refers to sixteen (16) ratl, which is approximately equivalent to five liters. The intent of the Hadith is that anything whose larger quantity intoxicates—even a single sip of it—is حرام. والله أعلم.

Prohibition of Treatment with Khamr:

“Wa’il al-Hadrami narrates that Tariq ibn Suwayd asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about Khamr. The Prophet ﷺ forbade him. He said, ‘I use it for medical treatment.’ The Prophet ﷺ replied: ‘It is not a medicine; rather, it is a disease.’” (صحیح مسلم)

Nothing Else May Be Produced from Khamr:

“Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked: ‘May Khamr be converted into vinegar?’ He ﷺ replied in the negative.” (صحیح مسلم)

Khamr Cannot Be Consumed Even Out of Necessity; Strive Against Those Who Drink It:

“Wailam Himyari رضي الله عنه narrates: I said to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, ‘O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! We live in a cold region where we endure intense labor and hardship. We prepare a drink from wheat, and by using it we become able to work and protect ourselves from the severe cold of our lands.’ The Prophet ﷺ asked, ‘Is it intoxicating?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ He ﷺ said, ‘Then keep away from it.’ I said, ‘The common people cannot refrain from it.’ The Prophet ﷺ commanded: ‘If they do not abandon it, then fight them.’” (سنن ابو داؤد)

“Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari رضي الله عنه said: ‘I do not perceive any difference between drinking Khamr and worshipping this pillar instead of Allah.’” (سنن نسائی)