“in this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, ‘Setting their affairs right is best; and if you mix your affairs with theirs, they are your brothers. Allah knows the corrupter from the reformer. Had Allah willed, He could have put you to hardship. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.’” (220)

As for His saying, “They ask you about wine and gambling,” to the end of the verse: it was revealed concerning Umar ibn al-Khattab and Mu'adh ibn Jabal, may Allah be pleased with them, and a group of the Ansar, who came to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, “O Messenger of Allah, give us a ruling concerning wine and gambling, for they impair the mind and squander wealth.” So Allah revealed this verse. (1)

In summary, regarding the prohibition of wine, the exegetes said that Allah revealed four verses concerning wine. The first was revealed in Mecca: “And from the fruits of date palms and grapevines you derive intoxicants and wholesome provision” (16:67). The Muslims would drink it, and it was lawful for them at that time.

Then, in response to the question of Umar and Mu'adh ibn Jabal, He revealed: “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin...’” When this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah has already spoken concerning the prohibition of wine.” Some people abstained from it because of His words, “great sin,” while others drank it because of His words, “and benefits for people.”

Then Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf prepared a meal and invited some of the Prophet’s Companions, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He brought them wine, so they drank and became intoxicated. When the time for the Maghrib prayer came, they put one of themselves forward to lead them in prayer. He recited, “Say, ‘O disbelievers, I worship what you worship,’” continuing in this manner to the end of the surah, omitting the word “not.” Thereupon Allah Most High revealed: “O you who believe, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated, until you know what you are saying” (4:43). Thus, intoxication was forbidden at the times of prayer.

When this verse was revealed, some people gave up wine, saying, “There is no good in anything that comes between us and the prayer.” Others abstained from it at the times of prayer but drank it at other times: a man would drink after the night prayer and awake in the morning after his intoxication had worn off; and he would drink after the dawn prayer and be sober when the time for the noon prayer arrived.

Utban ibn Malik held a feast and invited some Muslim men, among whom was Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas. He had roasted a camel’s head for them. They ate from it and drank wine until it took hold of them. Then they began boasting and vaunting their lineages (2), and reciting poetry to one another. Sa'd recited a poem that satirized the Ansar and extolled his own people. One of the Ansar took the camel’s jawbone and struck Sa'd on the head with it, inflicting a wound that exposed the bone. (3) Sa'd went to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and complained to him about the Ansari. Umar then said, “O Allah, make clear to us