Hadith #3320

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of abstaining from the consumption of alcohol, as it serves as a safeguard for the intellect. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding.

The word (shurb) "شُرْبِ" refers to the act of drinking, specifically in this context, the drinking of (al-khamr) "الخَمْرِ", which translates to wine. Wine, as we know, is an intoxicating substance that impairs one's judgment and rational thinking. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of alcohol on the mind and advises Muslims to abandon its consumption.

To further understand the significance of this command, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse clearly prohibits the consumption of intoxicants, including alcohol, as it is considered impure and a creation of Satan.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.' And they ask you what they should spend. Say, 'The excess [beyond needs].' Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.

This verse acknowledges that while there may be some perceived benefits in alcohol, its harms and sins outweigh any potential advantages.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) command to abandon the drinking of wine serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of preserving and protecting their intellect. Alcohol impairs one's ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and fulfill their responsibilities. By abstaining from alcohol, individuals can maintain a sharp and focused mind, enabling them to better navigate the challenges of life and fulfill their duties as Muslims.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the spiritual and moral implications of consuming alcohol. Alcohol has the potential to lead to immoral behavior, such as aggression, promiscuity, and neglect of religious obligations. By avoiding alcohol, Muslims can safeguard their moral compass and maintain a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of abstaining from the consumption of alcohol as a means to protect the mind. This command aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which clearly prohibit the consumption of intoxicants. By avoiding alcohol, Muslims can preserve their intellect, maintain their moral integrity, and fulfill their duties as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to adhere to this command and protect our minds from the harms of alcohol.