The Prohibition of Alcohol In the third year after the Hijrah, following the Battle of Uhud, the prohibition of alcohol was completed. The prohibition did not come all at once. Like many Islamic rulings—such as prayer, fasting, zakah, jihad, inheritance laws, and legal punishments—it was introduced gradually. This gradual approach is one of the defining principles of Islamic legislation, as it was not realistic for a society deeply rooted in pre-Islamic customs to transform overnight. The prohibition of alcohol was revealed in four stages: 1. The First Stage The first Qur’anic reference to alcohol appears in Surat An-Nahl: “And from the fruits of date palms and grapes you derive intoxicants and good provision. Indeed, in that is a sign for people who reason.” (Qur’an 16:67) The verse mentions both date palms and grapes, from which people produced intoxicating drinks as well as wholesome food. Notice that Allah mentions intoxicants without praise, while describing lawful nourishment as “good provision.” This subtle distinction encourages reflection, suggesting that while dates and grapes are blessings, turning them into intoxicants is not. The verse concludes: “Indeed, in that is a sign for people who reason.” In other words, those who reflect carefully can recognize that intoxicants are not among the things Allah loves or approves for His servants. ⸻ 2. The Second Stage Later, Allah revealed in Surat Al-Baqarah: “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: ‘In them is great sin and some benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit.’” (Qur’an 2:219) The Arabic word khamr comes from a root meaning to cover or conceal, because alcohol clouds and covers the mind. Allah acknowledges that alcohol and gambling may bring certain worldly benefits—for example, temporary pleasure or financial gain—but clearly states that their harm outweighs their benefit. At this point, alcohol had not yet been prohibited. The verse served as guidance and moral instruction rather than a legal ban. After this revelation, some Companions voluntarily gave up drinking, saying: “We have no need for something whose sin is greater than its benefit.” ⸻ 3. The Third Stage Before alcohol was completely prohibited, one Muslim drank wine and then led the prayer, mistakenly reciting: “Say: O disbelievers… I worship what you worship,” instead of: “I do not worship what you worship.” As a result, Allah revealed in Surat An-Nisa’: “O you who believe! Do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying.” (Qur’an 4:43) After this verse was revealed, Bilal would announce before each prayer: “No one who is intoxicated should approach the prayer.” Since the five daily prayers are spread throughout the day, this greatly reduced the time during which people could drink. Following this revelation, Umar ibn Al-Khattab would repeatedly supplicate: “O Allah, give us a clear ruling concerning alcohol.” ⸻ 4. The Final Stage – Complete Prohibition After the Battle of Uhud, Allah revealed the decisive ruling in Surat Al-Ma’idah: “O you who believe! Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, sacrificial stones, and divining arrows are nothing but filth from the work of Satan, so avoid them that you may succeed.” (Qur’an 5:90) When this verse was revealed, the Companions immediately responded: “We have stopped! We have stopped!” Those who were drinking at that very moment immediately put down their cups. They broke their drinking vessels and poured out every container of wine they owned. The streets of Madinah became flooded with spilled wine, as if rain had fallen. Thus, the prohibition of alcohol was completed through a gradual process, reflecting the wisdom of Islamic legislation, especially since drinking wine had long been deeply ingrained in Arab society.