might except with Allah, the Most High, the All-Mighty.
Khamr is forbidden in every situation; it may not be consumed—whether for pleasure, for treatment, to quench thirst, or for anything else.
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The ban on using it as medicine is proven by the Prophet’s words: “It is not a remedy; rather, it is a disease,” recorded by Muslim. Ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) likewise said, “Allah has not placed your healing in what He has forbidden to you.”
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The ban on drinking it to relieve thirst stands because it does not satisfy one’s thirst; instead, its heat actually increases it.
If a Muslim drinks khamr, or partakes of something in which it is mixed—such as cologne and similar fragrances that contain intoxicating alcohol—and he does so deliberately, knowing that a large quantity of it intoxicates, then the prescribed punishment (ḥadd) must be carried out on him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever drinks khamr, flog him,” related by Abū Dāwūd and others.
The ḥadd for khamr is eighty lashes. ʿUmar sought advice from the people regarding the penalty for khamr. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Set it at the lightest of the prescribed penalties—eighty.” Thereupon ʿUmar ordered eighty lashes and wrote to Khālid