Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “The default ruling here is permissibility for any Muslim who performs righteous deeds, for Allah has only made wholesome things lawful to those who use them as an aid to obey Him, not as an aid to disobey Him. The Exalted says, ‘There is no blame on those who believe and do righteous deeds concerning what they have consumed’ (Q. 5:93). For that reason it is impermissible to employ something lawful in the service of sin—such as giving meat and bread to someone who will wash them down with wine and use the strength thereby gained for immorality. Whoever eats the good things yet fails to give thanks is censured. Allah says, ‘Then you will surely be questioned that Day about the blessings’ (Q. 102:8), meaning: you will be asked whether you showed gratitude for them.” End quote.

Allah the Exalted has permitted His believing servants to enjoy every wholesome thing, saying, ‘They ask you what has been made lawful for them. Say, “All that is wholesome has been made lawful for you.”’ (Q. 5:4).

At the same time, He has spelled out what foods and drinks are forbidden: ‘He has explained to you in detail what He has forbidden you—except in cases of necessity’ (Q. 6:119). Whatever He has not explicitly prohibited is therefore lawful.

The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “Allah has prescribed obligatory duties; do not neglect them. He has set limits; do not overstep them. He has forbidden certain things; do not violate them. And He has remained silent about other matters as a mercy to you, not out of forgetfulness—so do not enquire into them.” Al-Nawawi (d. 676 AH) remarked, “This is a sound hadith, narrated by al-Daraqutni and others.”