Intermediate
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Surah: Al-Maidah (90)
Prohibition of Intoxicants — Gradual Legislation
إِنَّمَا ٱلۡخَمۡرُ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرُ وَٱلۡأَنصَابُ وَٱلۡأَزۡلَٰمُ رِجۡسٌ مِّنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ فَٱجۡتَنِبُوهُ
— المائدة الآية 90
Final verse: "O you who believe, intoxicants, gambling, stone altars, and divining arrows are abominations of Satan's handiwork — avoid it." (5:90)
Four stages of prohibition: (1) 16:67: implicit distinction. (2) 2:219: "great sin and some benefit" — discouragement. (3) 4:43: "do not approach prayer while intoxicated" — partial prohibition. (4) 5:90: "avoid it" — total prohibition.
Wisdom of gradation: Wine was deeply rooted in Arab society — gradual prohibition prepares hearts and reduces shock.
Four stages of prohibition: (1) 16:67: implicit distinction. (2) 2:219: "great sin and some benefit" — discouragement. (3) 4:43: "do not approach prayer while intoxicated" — partial prohibition. (4) 5:90: "avoid it" — total prohibition.
Wisdom of gradation: Wine was deeply rooted in Arab society — gradual prohibition prepares hearts and reduces shock.
Source: Al-Qurtubi (6/285); Ibn Al-Arabi (2/112); Ibn Qudama (9/154)
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What are the four stages of the prohibition of wine in the Quran?
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