They cited as evidence that the intoxicating effect has ceased through an unlawful act, so its legal consequence does not follow, since deliberately converting wine into vinegar is not permissible. This is indicated by the report of Anas that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—was asked about wine being made into vinegar—that is, transformed into vinegar—and he replied: “No.” (1) Moreover, deliberately converting it into vinegar is an act not sanctioned by Allah or His Messenger, and is therefore invalid and rejected; thus, no legal consequence follows from it, as the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Whoever performs an act that is not in accordance with our matter, it is rejected.” (2)

Some scholars said that it becomes pure and lawful as a result, even though the act itself is unlawful. (3)

They reasoned that the effective cause of its impurity is intoxication, and since the intoxicating effect has ceased, it becomes lawful.

Others said: if it is converted into vinegar by one who considers wine lawful, such as the People of the Book—the Jews and Christians—it becomes lawful and pure. But if it is converted into vinegar by one for whom wine is not lawful, then it remains unlawful and impure (811). This is the closest of the views. Accordingly, vinegar obtained from Jews and Christians is lawful and pure, because they did this in a manner they regard as lawful; hence, they are not prevented from drinking wine.

His statement, “Or if liquid oil becomes impure, it does not become pure”: oil may at times be liquid and at other times solid. As for liquid oil, it has been said that it is that which flows or