forbidden you to prepare infusions in vessels; now prepare them (1), but do not drink anything intoxicating.” (2)

The Companions and the scholars after them consequently differed. Some had not learned that the prohibition had been abrogated, or did not regard its abrogation as established, and therefore prohibited preparing infusions in vessels. Others believed that the later permission was established and had abrogated the prohibition (3), so they permitted preparing infusions in vessels. A group of jurists then heard that some Companions used to drink infusions and assumed these were intoxicating. They accordingly permitted the consumption of various beverages not made from grapes or dates, and also allowed boiled date and raisin infusions provided they did not intoxicate the drinker.

The correct position is that held by the vast majority of Muslims: every intoxicant is wine, and anyone who drinks it is to be flogged, even if he drinks only a single drop, whether for medicinal purposes or otherwise. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was asked whether wine could be used as medicine, and he replied: “It is a disease, not a medicine.” (4) He also said: “Allah has not placed the cure for my community in anything He has forbidden them.” (5)

The prescribed punishment is mandatory when proof [أ/ق 44] is established or the drinker confesses.