The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated in authentic hadiths that every intoxicating drink is haram. While “hamr,” prohibited in the Quran, is defined as raw grape juice that causes intoxication, the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicated that all intoxicating drinks fall under the term “hamr.” This demonstrates that all intoxicating drinks are prohibited by the Quranic verse.
Linguists also affirm that “hamr” refers to intoxicating drinks. The prohibition of hamr is due to its intoxicating effects. Other drinks that have similar effects to wine are similarly considered haram. The ruling that every intoxicating drink is haram is based on its ability to obscure the mind and cause intoxication. Among intoxicating drinks are wine made from grapes, as well as those made from dates, wheat, and corn. The same ruling applies to drinks produced today from different substances.
The Quran prohibits alcohol because it causes enmity and hatred through drink and gambling, preventing remembrance of Allah and hindering prayer (Al-Ma’idah 5:91). These reasons apply not only to wine but to all intoxicating drinks. Islamic law prohibits all types of alcoholic beverages due to their intoxicating effects.
Today, high-alcohol drinks are subject to the same prohibition. The primary cause of intoxication in drinks is ethanol. Therefore, regardless of the substance from which it is made, every intoxicating drink is haram.