*The Book of Drinks – Kitab al-Ashriba … (contd.)*
Narrated Ibrahim:
I asked Al-Aswad, “Did you ask `Aisha, Mother of the Believers, about the containers in which it is disliked to prepare (non-alcoholic) drinks?” He said, “Yes, I said to her, ‘O Mother of the Believers! What containers did the Prophet (ﷺ) forbid to use for preparing (non-alcoholic) drinks?” She said, ‘The Prophet ﷺ forbade us, (his family), to prepare (nonalcoholic) drinks in Ad-Dubba and Al-Muzaffat.’ I asked, ‘Didn’t you mention Al Jar and Al Hantam?’ She said, ‘I tell what I have heard; shall I tell you what I have not heard?’ ”
حَدَّثَنِي عُثْمَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قُلْتُ لِلأَسْوَدِ هَلْ سَأَلْتَ عَائِشَةَ أُمَّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَمَّا يُكْرَهُ أَنْ يُنْتَبَذَ فِيهِ فَقَالَ نَعَمْ قُلْتُ يَا أُمَّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَمَّا نَهَى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنْ يُنْتَبَذَ فِيهِ قَالَتْ نَهَانَا فِي ذَلِكَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ أَنْ نَنْتَبِذَ فِي الدُّبَّاءِ وَالْمُزَفَّتِ. قُلْتُ أَمَا ذَكَرْتِ الْجَرَّ وَالْحَنْتَمَ قَالَ إِنَّمَا أُحَدِّثُكَ مَا سَمِعْتُ، أَفَأُحَدِّثُ مَا لَمْ أَسْمَعْ
Sahih al-Bukhari 5595
*NOTE 📝*
1. This hadith explained that the Prophet ﷺ prohibited preparing drinks (by soaking dates or raisins) in certain types of containers to prevent fermentation. Ibrahim al-Nakha’i asked Al-Aswad ibn Yazid whether he had inquired from ‘A’ishah bint Abi Bakr about these containers, and she confirmed that the prohibition applied specifically to vessels like gourds (dubbā’) and tar-coated containers (muzafat). When asked if other containers such as earthenware jars were included, Al-Aswad clarified that he only reported exactly what he heard from ‘A’ishah, without adding anything beyond her narration.
2. In his commentary of this hadith, Ibn Hajar explained that the prohibition of certain vessels was not absolute but evolved over time. Initially, strict limitations were placed on which containers could be used for preparing drinks to prevent fermentation into intoxicants. When people expressed difficulty due to lack of alternatives, the Prophet ﷺ gradually permitted the use of some containers, indicating that the concession came in stages rather than all at once. – Fathul Baari, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
3. al-Hafidh further stated that the scholars clarify the reasoning behind these rulings: some containers, like leather waterskins, allowed airflow and made it easier to detect spoilage, reducing the risk of unnoticed fermentation. In contrast, solid vessels could conceal the development of intoxicants. Over time, broader permission was granted with the clear condition that any intoxicating drink remains prohibited. The overall objective was to safeguard against intoxication while accommodating people’s practical needs. – Fathul Baari, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
*O Allah, all perfect praise is Yours, keep us firm upon what is lawful, and distance us from all that You have forbidden. Forgive our shortcomings and accept our efforts. Indeed, You are All-Hearing, Ever-Responsive. Ãmeen*
